Kazakh 'Artek analogue' faces backlash from President Nazarbayev
ASTANA. April 18. KAZINFORM The second session of the Supreme Board of Regents of the Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools and Nazarbayev Fund has taken place in Astana today.
The construction of Kazakhstani analogue of Artek camp in Burabai (Borovoye) resort area was removed from the agenda by President Nazarbayev.
It was Chairman of the Executive Board of AEO "Nazarbayev University" Aslan Sarinzhipov who presented the project of the new camp at the session. In his words, the project of "Kazakhstani Artek" has been developed not only for students of the Nazarbayev Intellectual schools, but also for students of other secondary schools of the country.
Moreover, a laboratory of the Nazarbayev University is planned to be constructed near the camp. "The laboratory will focus mainly on the ecological problems," Vice Prime Minister of Kazakhstan - Chairman of the Board of Regents of AEO "Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools" Yerbol Orynbayev explained.
The proposal, however, perplexed the Head of State. In fact, President Nazarbayev harshly criticized the project, calling it "over the top idea". "First of all, we need funds to complete the construction of the Nazarbayev University here in Astana and the Nazarbayev Intellectual schools across the country. Remove this issue from the agenda!" Nursultan Nazarbayev said.