Child Friendly Cities: Research with Children in Kyzylorda: Final Kyzylorda Report 2015

Kyzylorda is in the western region of Kazakhstan with a cold desert climate of hot summers and cold winters. It has a population of around 188,000 people. In modern times it has been known for its oil and gas fields and production of rice, while historically it was one of the centers of the Silk Road. The city is on the Syr Darya River, which is one of the rivers that use to flow into the Aral Sea, before it was diverted to irrigate the desert, therefore contributing to the drying up over time of the Aral Sea. Some of the older children were also concerned the issues around the drying up of the Aral Sea. The shrinking of the Aral Sea has been called "one of the planet's worst environmental disasters". The region's once-prosperous fishing industry has been essentially destroyed, bringing unemployment and economic hardship. The Aral Sea region is also heavily polluted, with consequent serious public health problems. The departure of the sea has reportedly also caused local climate change, with summers becoming hotter and drier, and winters colder and longer. Kulanbekova from Kyzylorda stated her dream for Kyzylorda was that the Aral Sea was restored and it became an important tourists attraction. She wished that the Aral Sea was not drying out and there were lots of fish. Many children from the city were concerned about the lack of greenery, especially in the outskirts areas of the town. Because the city is built in a very dry desert region it is very difficult for plants to grow and many children noted that even though their families and others in their apartment block had planted trees it took a lot of manual watering and often the plants didn't survive. Many children wanted the opportunity to go to places outside often town close to the river where they could go fishing, swim and enjoy fresh air. From the survey data we can see many positives from the children compared to other cities researched. Kyzylorda children believed they were more likely to be protected from strangers then children in the other three cities. Over 80% or 20% more Kyzylorda children then the average across the other three cities said they had learnt about children's rights, and 82% children, again the highest said teachers in schools listened to their ideas. The area where they scored most poorly was in regards to there being garbage and smelly water lying around, only Aktau scored less. Kanat is 9 years old and form Kyzylorda she summed up many of the main sentiments from all the children in her interview where she said: "I want my house to be improved. I wish there were playgrounds near my house. Also I want there to be a playground for disabled children. I wish to have an elevator in my house. I wish trees to be planted around the house. Finally I want to have hot water in my apartment". Many children in Kyzylorda were interested to be active in improving their city and villages. Artur, 16 years old live in the village Belkui, and stated in his interview: "I wish I could participate in construction planning near my house: a playground for children, football and basketball court, and a youth club which is necessary for youth to spend time during the day and in the evening. Our village needs a park, a fountain and an ice palace. I hope that my dream comes true".