The first stop for the head of state was the Kazakhstan International School Astana (KIS Astana). This educational institution covers an area of over 20,000 square meters and is designed to accommodate 800 schoolchildren and 120 preschoolers. The school holds prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) accreditation, which includes three programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 5 to 11, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16, and the Diploma Programme (IB) for teenagers aged 16 to 19.
Classrooms are equipped with modern technology. The school also features a well-developed sports infrastructure.
During the visit, the President emphasized the importance of improving the education level in Kazakhstan, highlighting that such institutions play a crucial role in shaping competitive and well-rounded young professionals.
Next, Tokayev visited the QazSwimAcademy sports center. The director of the center explained that this unique complex offers a complete training cycle for swimmers. There are five pools available for children and adults: one 50-meter pool, two 25-meter pools, and two 10-meter pools.
The academy conducts group classes in 25 different disciplines and also has a professional gym. Special attention is given to the high-tech equipment of the center, with modern Spanish equipment used in the pools.
Additionally, the academy is equipped with specialized training equipment that helps develop swimming skills and strengthen various muscle groups.
During his visit, the head of state noted the importance of developing sports infrastructure in the country, addressing the young trainees of the complex.
“I wish you success and the achievement of Olympic heights. Sports not only strengthen health but also bring glory to our country on the world stage. I hope you will become successful athletes and, most importantly, worthy citizens of our Motherland,” the president stated.
Tokayev also visited the student dormitory of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
The president inspected the new dormitory, which has a capacity of 2,656 places and is intended for students, master's students, and doctoral candidates. This facility was built under a public-private partnership and consists of three modern buildings. Each of them includes co-working spaces, libraries, sports, and commercial areas, providing comfortable living and studying conditions.
In designing the dormitory, special attention was given to the needs of students with disabilities. The infrastructure and design fully comply with the requirements for an accessible environment.
The Minister of Science and Higher Education informed the President about the efforts to create an academic hub, open branches of foreign universities, and measures to provide housing for students. The president highlighted the importance of international cooperation in education and youth exchange.
Speaking about the metapneumovirus, which has raised public concern, Tokayev called for avoiding panic and continuing to develop cooperation with China.
In a conversation with students, he emphasized the significance of digitalization and artificial intelligence, which he discussed in an interview with the newspaper Ana tili. The president noted that these technologies will be implemented across all sectors and expressed hope for the youth as the driving force of progress.
Last year, 40 dormitories were built in Kazakhstan, providing 11,079 places. This year, it is planned to open 7 dormitories in Astana with a capacity of 3,400 places. Currently, ENU has eight dormitories with 4,280 places and collaborates with private dormitories. By 2025, the total number of places will increase to 10,000, fully meeting the housing needs of all out-of-town students.