Kazakhstan's Ministry of Education has clarified the conditions under which kindergartens may cancel New Year parties, as well as who should pay for gifts and invited entertainers. According to 31 Channel, canceling festive events is permissible only when there is a threat to the life and health of children; in all other cases, celebrations are recommended to be held with safety measures in place, infohub.kz reports.
The issue arose after parents reported cancellations of parties in kindergartens in Almaty, Aktau, Karaganda, Zhezkazgan and other cities. The topic was actively discussed on social media: some users supported the cancellation of New Year parties, while others expressed regret that children might miss out on a festive event.
“New Year is a Soviet legacy. Nauryz is closer to our culture. They're doing the right thing,” the publication quoted one commentator as saying. Another user suggested: “It seems to me that teachers are paid very little, and the workload with parties is heavy. To reduce the workload and avoid raising salaries, they came up with this.” Another comment read: “They said that for New Year we can organize entertainers and gifts ourselves in the group. But there won't be a party like before.” One more opinion: “Great, they're finally returning to their roots.”
According to the Ministry of Education, the head of an institution does have the right to issue an order canceling a party if, for example, there is a quarantine or a leaking roof at the kindergarten—that is, in cases where there is a threat to children's life and health. However, kindergartens may hold celebrations in groups or organize a themed day.
The Institute of Early Childhood Development of the Ministry of Education explained that the standard curriculum includes introducing children to public holidays, one of which is New Year. At the same time, teachers are not allowed to collect money for gifts or entertainers.
“Holding New Year events complies with the requirements of the standard curriculum for preschool education and training. Preschool organizations are recommended to ensure that planned celebrations are held in compliance with safety requirements and with consideration for children's interests,” emphasized Gulnara Mukusheva, deputy director of the Institute of Early Childhood Development of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.