On August 22, 2025, during the August teachers' conference in Shymkent, news was announced that generated considerable interest among the public and specialists. City Mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov announced that, in accordance with the President's directive, the Presidential Residence in Shymkent will be transformed into a modern year-round camp for gifted children starting in the new academic year. This decision is of particular importance not only for education but also for the effective management of land and property resources, which is becoming increasingly important for the developing metropolis.

The transfer of a property of this magnitude to educational purposes is a rational and balanced decision, demonstrating a new approach to land management. Cities often face situations where large government buildings lose their original purpose and become idle, placing a strain on budgets. In such cases, it is important to find ways to effectively utilize them for the benefit of society. The example of the Presidential Residence demonstrates how a building with symbolic significance can be repurposed into a socially useful space.

This building will now become a center for the education and development of talented schoolchildren from across the country. The camp, designed to operate year-round, will provide training and recreation for Olympiad winners, young inventors, and students who have distinguished themselves in science, culture, and art. Around 2,500 children will study here annually. Each shift is designed for 50-60 participants, creating the most comfortable conditions for the development and interaction of talented teenagers.

Students will have access to modern classrooms, gyms and cultural centers, a library, a medical center, comfortable dormitories, and a well-maintained grounds. The facility will be equipped with modern technology and fully comply with safety requirements. Thus, the building, which previously served primarily as a public space, will be given a new purpose that meets the needs of the times and the challenges of educating a new generation.

Rational use of state property allows us to simultaneously address several issues. First, it saves budget funds: constructing a new educational center of this scale would require significant investment and a long timeframe. Second, it is a practical demonstration of the principle that "every facility should benefit society." Third, it is a symbolic step demonstrating that the state's commitment to youth is expressed not only in words but also in concrete actions.

Similar examples have already been seen in Kazakhstan. In a number of regions, unused administrative buildings were converted into schools, kindergartens, or supplementary education centers. This allowed for cost reduction while expanding social infrastructure. Similar projects have previously been implemented in Shymkent, where buildings that had lost their original purpose were converted into cultural and sports facilities. But the current initiative is unique in its scale and significance, as it concerns the Presidential Residence, which will now become a symbol of education and intellectual development.

The news was announced during the August teachers' conference, which this year brought together over 2,100 participants. It was attended by the Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ghani Beisembayev, representatives of universities and colleges, veteran teachers, school principals, parents, and members of public councils. The conference, held under the motto "Be a good teacher, be a good mother," focused on the challenges of the upcoming academic year. Key areas of discussion included developing teachers' digital literacy, implementing modern technologies, and developing socially responsible individuals.

According to the city administration, the 2025–2026 academic year in Shymkent will begin in 1,352 educational institutions, enrolling over 397,000 children. Approximately 28,000 students are expected to attend first grade alone. To meet the needs of the growing metropolis, six educational facilities are being built, including two new schools, three extensions, and one dormitory. Two schools and an additional building will be commissioned before the start of the academic year. Additionally, ten educational institution buildings are undergoing major renovations. Against this backdrop, the decision to transform the Presidential Residence appears particularly timely and thoughtful.

Compared to previous years, it's clear that similar initiatives for the rational use of property and land have always yielded tangible benefits. For example, several years ago in Shymkent and other regions, some idle buildings were transferred to educational and cultural facilities. This allowed for faster resolution of social issues without major additional investments. The difference with the current initiative is that it concerns a facility of national importance, and therefore takes on special symbolic weight.

City Mayor Gabit Syzdykbekov emphasized that this project is not only a step in developing the educational system but also a practical implementation of the idea of rational use of state property and land resources. According to him, every facility should benefit people, and every square meter of land should contribute to the public good. This approach to resource management creates the foundation for the city's sustainable development and meets modern requirements.

Thus, the transformation of the Presidential Residence into a camp for gifted children is an example of how land management, educational policy, and social responsibility can be integrated into a single solution. It demonstrates that effective management allows for maximum efficiency without wasting unnecessary resources and time. This is especially relevant for Shymkent, which is rapidly growing and facing new challenges.

Now, the building, which for many years symbolized status and representation, is being transformed into a space where the country's future—a talented, educated, and socially responsible generation—will be shaped. This step demonstrates that the state's commitment to its citizens extends beyond the construction of new facilities to the efficient use of existing resources.