Political and economic analysis of education in the Semipalatinsk region: issues of education of children with special needs

Purpose of the research – The article is aimed to share the light on the problems of education of children affected by nuclear tests in the Semipalatinsk region.

Methodology – This article was written based on the findings of the research titled "The missing generation of children of Semipalatinsk region (1991-2021)", that was conducted as part of wider project called the PEER Network led by four universities (Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan), University of Cape Town (South Africa), the University of Sussex (UK) and the University of Ulster (UK). The latter project’s aim is improving the quality of political economy analysis of education in collaboration with academics, policymakers and practitioners in conflict-affected states. To ensure the reliability of the data analyzed during the study, the authors applied a thematic deductive analysis as a core. Based on it, 30 interviews obtained during this research were coded. The second analytic tool that was used is the 4RS framework. This method enables to conduct a political and economic analysis of education in a context of the Semipalatinsk region. Semi-structured interview was applied as a data collection method. Data collection was conducted in accordance with all ethical regulation and ethical approval of Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan) and the University of Ulster. The relevant literature, legal acts and statistical data corresponding to the subject of the study were also analysed.

Originality / value of the research – During the study of these documents, it was found that issues related to the education of children affected by nuclear tests in the Semipalatinsk region were not considered acutely. Also, based on the literature review and data analysis, the authors identified that there were no sufficient conditions in the field of education for children created in the region. The political and economic crisis that arose after the Soviet Union collapse, changed the legal status of the region and related to its underfinancing of the region. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the issues of access to quality education. All this requires sustainability in political, economic and social terms.

Findings. To address these issues, the authors of the article suggest the need to take into account the specific needs of the region in the education reform in the country, the expansion of the network of PMPC in the region, improving the competencies of teachers to work in inclusive education, strengthening the medical services in the region in accordance with modern requirements, addressing issues of stigmatization and radiophobia in society.

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