Osh school faces closure, 400 students at risk amid lease dispute

A private school in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, is at risk of closing its doors, potentially affecting around 400 students and more than 50 teachers. The founder of the "KelBil" school, Omurbek Akbaraliev, along with staff and parents, has appealed to the president for assistance in resolving a dispute with the building's owners.

The school has operated for five years, moving to its current location two years ago. Akbaraliev stated that when they moved in, the building was unfinished. He proposed a ten-year lease agreement, but the owners initially offered five years. Believing their promise, Akbaraliev invested funds into completing the building's construction.

When it came time to formalize the lease, the owners presented a two-year contract, citing potential inflation adjustments for future extensions. Despite having already invested significantly, including personal funds and a loan secured against his home, Akbaraliev felt compelled to accept the terms.

According to Akbaraliev, the building was later re-registered to the owner's brother, Omurbek Zholdoshev, without prior notification. The lease agreement was then renewed with the new owner, who reportedly increased the rent in the second year. This year, the school undertook further renovations and made commitments to staff and students based on assurances that the lease would be extended.

However, the school was suddenly informed that the collaboration was ending and they must vacate the premises. The building owners have filed a police report, alleging the school is occupying the space illegally. The school administration argues that with only about six weeks until the new academic year, finding and preparing a new suitable location for nearly 400 students is impossible. They are requesting a one-year delay in eviction to allow for a smooth transition and prevent disruption to education.

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We are not a business project. We are only asking for the opportunity to calmly finish our work in this building for another year, so as not to leave almost 400 children without a school and to save the jobs of more than 50 teachers.