Parents of students at A. Pushkin Secondary School in Kaskelen picketed the building for several hours, demanding attention to its condition. According to them, students are forced to learn in appalling conditions: classroom walls have cracked, and plaster is practically falling on their heads. The building lacks proper toilets, and the premises reek of sewage, reports infohub.kz.

"We adults are afraid to enter the school building. I'm not even talking about the children. What if the ceiling collapses on their heads? Have you seen the bathrooms? Everything is falling apart there. First-graders don't go to the toilet; they hold it in," says Zamira Kanagatova.

A. Pushkin Secondary School in Kaskelen opened more than half a century ago. It educates 1,100 students in two shifts. Violetta Tsoi has five children attending, and according to her, school never goes without incidents.

"A door jammed, and a child was stuck in the toilet for an entire lesson. We had a case where a child broke his arm and nose during gym class. He just tripped over a nail sticking out there. He tripped, fell, slid on his nose, and broke it," Violetta Tsoi says indignantly.

Adults believe it is dangerous to study in such conditions and are asking officials to address the problem. School management supports the parents, saying the building has long needed major repairs. A year ago, design and estimate documentation was even prepared, but funding was never allocated.

"In 2025, we prepared documents, including design and estimate documentation. We submitted them to the regional education department. This year, funds for major repairs should be allocated. Then we will close the school for major repairs. And children will temporarily study in another building," explains Kanat Kokanov, director of A. Pushkin Secondary School in Kaskelen.

The education department assured that the project has already been transferred to the construction department. They will oversee the matter from there. Children and adults are asked to be patient a little longer.

Earlier, we reported that in the village of Irgeli, Almaty Region, the school year began amid unfinished repairs, and eight students complained of feeling unwell.