Kazakhstan's Baquatty Audan initiative bridges rural-urban service gaps

A large-scale initiative called Baquatty Audan is transforming rural services in Kazakhstan’s Tselinograd District. The programme aims to give countryside residents the same level of support as those in cities. Schools, medical centres, and inclusion classrooms are being upgraded with new equipment and trained staff as part of the effort. The initiative, run in partnership with the Amanat party and the regional akimat, has already made significant progress. In Tselinograd District, over 500 subject teachers and 90 school principals have completed specialised training. Teachers now collaborate through professional learning communities, sharing resources and tackling complex educational challenges together.

After-school programmes have also expanded, with clubs and activities operating directly in rural schools. For children with special needs, four new inclusive support centres have opened, catering to more than 1,000 students in the district. Medical services have seen improvements too. A total of 332 healthcare professionals have finished training, and every rural medical station now has an ECG machine. The programme’s success in Tselinograd has led to its expansion, including the opening of a new support centre in the regional capital, Kökşetau. Officials describe the pilot as a model that will be replicated nationwide in the coming years.

The Baquatty Audan initiative has already upgraded facilities, trained staff, and expanded services across rural areas. With plans to scale the programme further, more regions are expected to adopt its methods. The goal remains clear: to close the gap between urban and rural access to education, healthcare, and support.