At the Government Session, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Yerkinbayev, reported on the ongoing work to organize wellness activities, leisure, and employment for children during the summer holidays.

He noted that a Roadmap for the Development of Children's and Youth Tourism until 2029 has been developed jointly with local executive bodies. This document outlines 29 activities across 7 strategic areas.

To promote domestic tourism, a government support measure has been implemented — the Kids Go Free program, which subsidizes children's airline tickets. Since the program's launch, more than 5,600 children have taken advantage of free air travel.

The Ministry is currently working to expand the list of persons authorized to accompany underage passengers, which will help increase the program’s reach. In the current year, the program aims to include 3,000 children.

In cooperation with local authorities and tourism businesses, efforts are also being made to promote and develop domestic tourism among children and teenagers.

“For example, the Akimat of Astana implements a special annual social project ‘Astana – the Capital of My Homeland’, covering up to 1,000 children from the regions. The tour program includes accommodation, meals, and a rich cultural and entertainment agenda. Special tourist routes have also been developed in collaboration with the tourism community, aimed at introducing students to the culture, history, and traditions of Kazakhstan, while broadening their worldview,” Yerzhan Yerkinbayev stated.

He highlighted that the next area of focus is the development of sports potential among children and youth and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

During the summer holidays, Presidential fitness tests will be conducted for children and teenagers, along with the Kapshagai Kids Trophy — a national football tournament.

Additionally, there will be comprehensive competitions among rural schools under the “Aul Sporty” program, and the Halyk Open Cup, a national football tournament for children from rural areas.

For children's leisure and sports training, the “Accessible Sport” and “Aula Fit” projects are being successfully implemented.

As part of the state-funded sports programs, over 7,000 sports clubs are operating, offering free access to more than 250,000 children and teenagers, including during the summer break.

“Physical education and wellness events will be held in all regions of the country to mark Children’s Day and Sports Day. In addition, the National School Sports League is held annually among general education schools in 10 sports disciplines,” Yerzhan Yerkinbayev stated.

According to the Ministry, 521 youth sports schools are currently operating year-round in Kazakhstan, serving over 406,000 children, as well as 14 regional and 5 national specialized Olympic reserve boarding school-colleges, with a total enrollment of more than 6,500 children. Sports and fitness camps will be organized for students of these institutions during the summer.

Special attention is being given to children with special educational needs. In this regard, activities will be carried out to motivate children and teenagers with disabilities to engage in sports. This summer, regional qualifying competitions for the Zhuldyzai National Inclusive Games in 7 sports will continue.

In addition, national sports events are scheduled, including the “Zhas Ümit” national tournament in togyzkumalak, the Kazakhstan Championship in zhamby atu among boys, and the Kazakhstan Junior Championship in asyk atu.

“In organizing all these events, necessary safety measures will be taken in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders. In accordance with a directive from the Presidential Administration, a meeting was held with local executive bodies in the sports sector on the topic of ensuring safe transportation of children by vehicle. Illustrated safety guidelines for transporting children have been distributed to sports federations and regional sports departments. I am confident that these programs and initiatives will not only help children and teenagers spend their summer holidays in meaningful and diverse ways but also promote an active lifestyle and expand their understanding of the country and the world,” Yerzhan Yerkinbayev concluded.

#Education #Government session #Protection of Children's Rights #Tourism

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