With growing technology, the internet is no longer a necessity but a requirement, becoming crucial for individual achievement and overall societal development.
However, while Kazakhstan has made significant leaps in technological advancement, the country still faces a digital divide that impedes progress, especially in rural areas where internet access is minimal. This gap particularly affects gifted pupils in remote schools as it prevents them from accessing educational materials, limiting diverse perspectives, or preparing for higher education and decent career paths.
Photo credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto
Growing up in a village in Kazakhstan, I am acutely aware of some of the challenges students face when studying without the Internet. In my childhood, I relied mainly on textbooks and conventional classroom teaching, sometimes unable to get additional sources or venture outside the given syllabus. While the Internet was a precious source of information for my urban peers with whom I was competing for admission to universities, it remained an unattainable luxury for me, cutting me off from the vast opportunities available online.
Zhaniya Nurgozhina
However, driven by active curiosity and a strong desire to win, I exploited any chance to widen my worldview. I devoured numerous books from the local library, participated in after-school activities, and had stimulating discussions with my teachers and mentors. Ultimately, I had the pleasure of gaining a place at Nazarbayev University through my own efforts. This achievement has opened various doors of opportunity for me.
My story is not unique. Similar difficulties are faced by many endowed students in rural areas of Kazakhstan who do not have access to online resources. Surprisingly, current statistics show that over 3,000 schools in Kazakhstan do not have access to the Internet, affecting over a million students. This inhibits their academic endeavors and narrows their scope of knowledge, hindering them from making wise choices concerning their lives after school.
Providing quality education in rural Kazakhstan is a moral duty and requirement for equipping each child with equal chances to succeed. Reliable and affordable access to the Internet for rural schools will enable gifted kids in such areas to unlock their maximum potential, thus advancing national development towards growth and prosperity.
The government’s commendable efforts to enhance broadband infrastructure, alongside private firms’ innovative solutions, should be accelerated. This should be seen as a common task and a national goal, primarily aimed at improving educational opportunities for every Kazakhstani child.
Alongside building infrastructure, digital literacy training is equally important. It is imperative to ensure that students living in remote locations can use online skills and knowledge for learning and exploration. They should also be taught how to critically assess online information, surf the internet safely, and use technology for artistic expression and problem-solving. Implementing comprehensive digital literacy programs in rural schools will not only empower students with the necessary skills, it will also foster a culture of responsible internet use.
Moreover, integrating technology into the curriculum can enhance the educational experience in rural schools. Online resources, virtual collaborations, and interactive learning platforms can supplement traditional teaching methods, providing students with a more dynamic and engaging educational environment. By incorporating technology into the classroom, we bridge the digital divide and prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
We can harness the great potential in rural Kazakhstan by bridging the existing digital divide, impacting the lives of countless talented individuals and the nation. However, this is not simply about linking rural areas to the internet – it’s also about connecting hearts and minds to endless opportunities. Digital connectivity can serve as a gateway to global knowledge, fostering cultural exchange and broadening perspectives. Therefore, initiatives to provide internet access must go hand in hand with efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding and global awareness among rural students.
To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, collaboration between government bodies, private enterprises, and non-profit organizations is essential. A more comprehensive and efficient approach to bridging the digital gap can be achieved by pooling resources and expertise. Public-private partnerships can facilitate the development of innovative solutions, such as community internet centers, where students and residents can access the internet, receive training, and participate in skill-building programs.
The time to act is now. We have a unique opportunity to work together to create a better life for everyone in Kazakhstan. Let’s close the digital gap and improve our country. This call to action extends beyond governmental and private initiatives; it involves community engagement as well. Local communities must be active participants in the process, offering their insights and understanding to develop solutions tailored to the unique challenges of each region.
Bridging the digital divide in rural Kazakhstan requires a multi-faceted approach that combines infrastructure development, digital literacy training, curriculum enhancement, cross-cultural awareness, and community involvement. The potential for positive change is immense as we empower new learners to thrive in the digital age and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. Let us seize this moment to unite our efforts, connect hearts and minds, and pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Kazakhstan.
The author is Zhaniya Nurgozhina, a student at the Nazarbayev University School of Public Policy.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Astana Times.
