Several large families have approached the editorial office of VB.KG with a request to draw attention to the lack of a social support system for children in the fields of culture, sports, and leisure in Kyrgyzstan. Each family has its own story, but they all face similar difficulties. Parents express dissatisfaction that large families do not receive any discounts when visiting museums, theaters, and sports facilities. They propose creating a program similar to the Russian "Pushkin Card," which would allow children to access art for free or at significant discounts.
Anara, a single mother raising four children, shares her concerns. She says that half of her budget goes to food, leaving insufficient funds for her children's cultural development. The situation has reached the point where her children have started blaming themselves for the family's financial difficulties. "I was struck by my daughter's phrase: 'Mom, if we didn't exist, you would be very rich.' The children understand everything," she recounts. Anara also notes that free clubs in schools are closing, and access to school stadiums for local residents has become limited. She believes that the lack of accessible leisure activities leads to class resentment among children and pushes them towards questionable interests. "A lot is written about Aitmatov in Kyrgyzstan, but what would he say about the current situation?" the mother wonders.
The Kubat and Saniya family, raising three children aged three to eight, has faced challenges related to entertainment. Visiting shopping centers has become a real trial, as the rules of some play areas require each child to be accompanied by an adult, making relaxation physically impossible for a large family. They believe that the country lacks a well-thought-out policy for children's tourism and quality outdoor leisure activities. They think that urban parks could become centers for educational programs with health trails, nature excursions, and open workshops, as practiced in other countries.
However, instead of this, the center of the capital has become a dangerous zone: teenagers race on electric scooters through the alleys, causing concern for parents with small children. Additionally, the condition of Duboviy Park leaves much to be desired – unique sculptures are in a neglected state, which confuses the children. Kubat and Saniya emphasize that a child's environment at an early age shapes their personality. If children see neglect and a lack of care, it is hard to expect them to develop a love for order and beauty in the future. Large families in Bishkek hope that their requests will be heard and that a systematic program for supporting children's leisure will emerge in Kyrgyzstan, as investments in culture and sports today are a step towards creating a safe and educated society in the future.
