The students of the regional orphanage No. 1 have expressed their concerns about the relocation of their institution from Almaty to Konev, as reported by Tengrinews.kz correspondent. A video message from the teenagers has surfaced on social media.
According to the students, trees have already begun to be cut down on the premises of the orphanage.
"At the moment, our orphanage is being relocated, trees are being cut down, and our territory is being turned into something unrecognizable. It’s becoming unbearable to live here. They want to move us to Kapchagay (Konev), where there are steppes and a prison. They want to shove us there. Please help us. We do not want to leave this orphanage; it is our home. Please, help," says Kirill Kapranov, a student of the regional orphanage No. 1, in the video message.
Meanwhile, community activists believe that a desirable piece of land in the elite area of Almaty - Baganashil - has caught the eye of some developers, who intend to build a residential complex there.
"Sending children to some incomplete building in Konev is, in my opinion, just a regular eviction to an exclusion zone for those already abandoned children. There are no utilities or infrastructure there, but there are four correctional facilities nearby. Apparently, our officials thought that having a prison as a neighbor is good for children. And why would they care about a prestigious area in Almaty? What difference does it make where orphans live? But judging by the photos, it will be a long time before they can move in, while in Baganashil, trees have already been cut down and the once beautiful territory has been destroyed. What’s the rush, and why is it always like this with children – on a leftover basis, where conditions are always worse?! These children also have the right to live in a prestigious area! They are orphans; they have nothing as it is, and now they are being stripped of the shelter where they could lay their heads!" wrote lawyer Anna Chernova on her Instagram page.
The Almaty region's education department reported that the orphanage students will soon meet with the regional akim and visit the new building under construction in Konev.
On March 2, the head of the Almaty region's education department, Saltanat Bespaeva, visited the orphanage in Baganashil. She inspected the building and spoke with the staff and students. During the meeting, the staff raised concerns regarding the relocation and the preservation of jobs.
"We are monitoring all issues related to the orphanage and its students. It is important not only to equip the new building with facilities, transportation, and school supplies but also to create comfortable living conditions and ensure the safety of the children," noted Saltanat Bespaeva.
Photo courtesy of the Almaty region akim's press service
The department also denied rumors circulating online about the sale of the land to affiliated individuals.
"The new complex is designed for 240 places and will occupy an area of 4,000 square meters. Its construction is due to the emergency condition of the existing building, which was built in 1963. The institution will also open a center for the adaptation of minors. The site is located next to a school with a capacity of 900 students. A 14-seat bus has already been provided for the transportation of the students," the akimat reported.
Meanwhile, it has become known that the distance from the new building of the regional orphanage to Almaty is 65 kilometers.
