Kazakhstan

First Lady Pushes Controversial Reform

A controversial experiment, based on the teachings of a Russian ascetic who advocated walking barefoot in the snow, is about to be implemented at selected schools throughout the country.

A college of higher education, secondary school and kindergarten in each region of the country will take part in the “self-knowledge” program initiated by the wife of the Kazakh head of state, Nursultan Nazarbaev.

A follower of the philosophy of Porfiry Ivanov, a mystic who called himself the brother of Jesus, the first lady has long been interested in child development. She created the charitable foundation Bobek (“Baby”) 10 years ago, and, through the international movement SOS-Kinderhof, has helped establish family-type children’s villages and rehabilitation centers for orphans all over Kazakhstan.

Her latest venture, however, has upset many Kazakhs, but few are prepared to speak out publicly against her for fear of retribution. The authorities are determined to forge ahead with the plan, and, after results of the experiment are analyzed, it may be extended across the entire school system.

For Nazarbaev, the program is just the beginning of a long-term project. “I have taken on a difficult task, and the results will perhaps only be seen in 100 years. But we need to return to the ‘pure sources’ of human wisdom and moral values. Otherwise, society will never get better,” she said.