The 8th forum of the «We Almaty» project on «Almaty - city for children» was held in Almaty, where they discussed the development of the city taking into account the interests of children.
Representatives of the Almaty Mayor's Office, the City Development Center, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Kazakhstan, urban space researchers and public figures gathered at the forum. The main organizer is the British Council.
According to the analysis of Kazakhstani researchers, 58% of teenagers believe that playgrounds in Almaty are interesting only for children under 5 years old. Older children are forced to find entertainment in shopping malls and computer halls.
«When we think about a place for children's games, we are more of a playground with slides and swings. What is interesting to a 5-year-old child may not be interesting for an older child. We need to find an understanding of how we, together with the city administration, can create an interesting, comfortable and safe environment,» said Daniyar Mukitanov, the British Council's education project manager.
Speakers believe that the city should have more spaces for children with the age of 11-17, where they could gather for interests.
only swings, but also public spaces for hanging out together. So they can play board and development games or play sports. They do not have a place that is free, accessible and where they live,» said Anna Stativkina, coordinator of UNICEF's Child Resilience Program in Kazakhstan.
Also, the speakers note that for parents the main source of danger are cars and traffic.
«Parents are afraid to let their children move around the city on their own. Children would like to go to clubs or sports sections. But, there is a choice: to go far on unsafe transport, or stay at home and do nothing. Because in many areas there are almost no circles. And it's not safe for them to walk somewhere,» she continued.
According to the representative of UNICEF in Kazakhstan, Yuri Oksamitny, in solving these issues should be included not only the public, but also local executive bodies, and even children themselves.
According to Almaskhan Akhmedzhanov, head of the Almaty City Planning and Urban Affairs Department, the interests of all categories of citizens are taken into account when creating urban space.
«For the last 3-4 years, when creating a comfortable environment for Almaty residents, urban spaces for teenagers have been created, yard areas are being reconstructed and new playgrounds for young children have been installed. We apply new modern technologies that would be interesting to the child. In general, when planning projects, we also take into account the interests of children of different ages,» Almaskhan Akhmedzhanov said.
The forum was also addressed by an expert from Great Britain Sam Williams, who has many years of experience in the design of urban spaces. In the Danish city of Billund, he built a huge children's town of 46 million LEGO bricks.
«We called this center «Capital of Children.» Here, children learn everything through games. We've created several programs that are associated with innovation and learning. Some people think that games are not serious. But, games form in children personality and leadership qualities. They learn to accept challenges, risks and responsibilities. They become creative and creative, which is important in life,» concluded the British expert.
After the discussions, all participants of the forum will prepare recommendations to improve the urban space for children in Almaty, which will be sent to the city administration.
Source: Kazinform
