Astana, September 01, 2025 – The Europe Today: Kazakhstan today celebrates Knowledge Day, a long-standing tradition marking the beginning of the academic year. First introduced in 1984 by a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the holiday has been maintained in independent Kazakhstan under a presidential decree issued on January 20, 1998.
Festive school assemblies, known as lineyka, traditionally bring together students, teachers, and parents across the country. Special attention is always devoted to first-graders, for whom the event symbolizes the beginning of their educational journey. Although September 1 falls on a weekend this year, with the academic year officially starting on September 2 due to the overlap with Constitution Day, many schools are still organizing welcoming assemblies for first-year pupils to preserve the symbolic importance of the date.
The 2025–2026 school year introduces several key innovations. Weekly lessons on personal safety are being rolled out across all levels of education in the form of short homeroom sessions. Younger children will learn essential safety rules, including emergency contacts, playground conduct, and interaction with strangers or stray animals. Older students will address issues such as bullying, cyberbullying, and online safety, while high school and college students will focus on financial literacy, digital security, and safe employment practices.
In addition, elements of artificial intelligence are being integrated into the national curriculum through digital literacy and computer science subjects, reflecting Kazakhstan’s growing emphasis on modern educational standards.
Speaking at a government meeting, Minister of Enlightenment Gani Beissembayev announced that more than 4.1 million pupils will attend over 8,000 schools nationwide in the new academic year. Among them, 341,000 children will enter school for the first time, while 232,000 students will begin grade 11.
Expanding and modernizing educational infrastructure remains a government priority. By September 1, 83 new schools have opened, with an additional 111 scheduled for completion by year’s end. In total, 232 schools designed to accommodate 267,000 students are under construction across the country. Renovation work is also being carried out at 245 schools, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, over 1,500 subject-specific classrooms for physics, chemistry, and biology are being equipped with modern facilities, including digital tools and 3D models.
Knowledge Day continues to serve not only as a celebration of learning but also as a reaffirmation of Kazakhstan’s commitment to advancing education and preparing the next generation for the challenges of the future.
