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An extensive audit of state-run boarding schools in the Akmola region has uncovered serious deficiencies in both the nutrition provided to children and the financial accountability of these institutions. The investigation, which covered 14 facilities, highlighted the inefficient use of budget funds and systemic problems that require urgent attention.

Concerns Over Meal Quality and Quantity

Particularly alarming findings emerged from the "Bilim-Innovation" IT Lyceum-Boarding School, where students were reportedly served meals significantly below the established norms. For instance, a single serving of milk porridge weighed only 77 grams, and plov was served at 178 grams, both falling far short of required standards. The audit also identified issues with food accounting, revealing that products valued at 421,000 tenge were expensed without proper justification.

Shortfalls at "Daryn" Boarding School

The situation at the "Daryn" boarding school, designed for gifted children, also presented cause for concern. Students at this facility received less than the standard portions of essential products like meat, fish, and cottage cheese. In 2022, significant portions of the children's diet were reduced, and this trend of economizing on meat, fish, and sweets continued into 2023-2024. Verification checks confirmed these discrepancies, with 16 out of 24 servings of milk porridge and 9 out of 10 servings of vitamin salad failing to meet weight specifications.

Educational and Financial Irregularities

Further issues were uncovered at the special complex "School-Boarding School-Kindergarten" in the Akkol district. Over 206 million tenge in budget funds were spent on providing education without the necessary licenses. An additional 25 million tenge was paid as salaries to teachers lacking the required qualifications in special pedagogy. At the "Akkol" child support center, a music instructor without proper qualifications received 2.4 million tenge. Compounding these issues, children of all ages were fed according to a uniform standard, regardless of their specific nutritional needs.

Declining Educational Standards

Auditors also noted a decline in educational quality at the "Bilim-Innovation" Lyceum. The pass rate, previously at 82 percent, dropped to 67 percent. Student performance in subjects like algebra saw a decrease from over 90 percent to 77 percent. Students themselves have voiced concerns about uncomfortable living conditions, a lack of modern equipment, and inadequate nutrition.

Audit Conclusions and Recommendations

The audit concluded that the identified shortcomings are not isolated incidents but rather indicative of systemic problems. The Education Department has been instructed to rectify the system, clarify lines of responsibility, improve financial planning, and strengthen oversight of procurement processes. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to urgently address and improve the organization of children's nutrition.

This information was reported by Infohub.kz.