President Nazarbayev congratulates children and teachers on Day of Knowledge

"Dear children, dear teachers, I congratulate you all on the Day of Knowledge. At the beginning of the school year I wish you all good health, success in learning," the President said during the enrollment ceremony for the nation-wide children and youth organization Zhas Ulan in Astana.

He noted that this year the start of the new school year is of special importance, because the new school year begins on the eve of celebration of the 20th anniversary of independence. All people of Kazakhstan are preparing for this great holiday, but children should make the country a gift - good learning.

According to Nazarbayev, 7,441 schools opened in Kazakhstan in 2011. This year 2.5 million children go to the first grade.

For 20 years 780 schools were built in Kazakhstan. 513 more schools will be built and a 12-year education will be introduced in the country till 2020.