Aga Khan School, Osh celebrates 36 years of Kyrgyz language, culture and heritage
The Aga Khan School (AKS), Osh hosted a vibrant celebration on 23 September 2025, marking the 36th anniversary of National Language Day in the Kyrgyz Republic. The event was a dynamic demonstration of the school’s deep commitment to the cultural and linguistic heritage of the country.
The celebration was filled with powerful displays of national pride and talent. Students and teachers enlivened the history and significance of the Kyrgyz language through various performances. This included heartfelt poetry recitals, traditional games and a captivating historical episode from the world-famous Kyrgyz epic, “Manas”. The energy and dedication of the participants truly highlighted the importance of this cultural foundation.
The event welcomed over 100 guests, including parents, specialists from the Osh City Institute of Professional Development, the Osh City Mayor's Educational Department and
local media representatives. The celebration also encouraged valuable collaboration, as students from some neighbouring schools also shared their projects honouring the Kyrgyz language with the AKS, Osh community.
“Preserving and developing our national language is not just a duty, but a cornerstone for building our shared future,” highlighted Abdikalik Akjolov, Senior Specialist of the Osh City Education Department, during his speech at the opening ceremony. “The Aga Khan School demonstrates how education can strengthen cultural identity while opening doors to the world.”
For over two decades, AKS, Osh has provided quality education in a multilingual context, serving a community representing more than five nationalities. Amidst this diversity, the national language has always been central to the educational experience – a core value upheld across Aga Khan schools globally.
The school's architectural design also reinforces this practice. For example, the school’s
Learning Resource Centre is constructed in the shape of a Kyrgyz yurt and adorned with national motifs, embodying the fundamental aspects of Kyrgyz traditions: family, Earth and the universe. The school is a resounding example of the ways in which Kyrgyz cultural and traditional values are seamlessly embedded into a modern, quality school programme.
“Walking through our school building, students feel connected to their heritage every day,” shared Natalya Deryabkina, School Director of AKS, Osh. “This intentional design ensures that students not only learn about their culture but also experience it as an integral part of their daily lives.”
The Aga Khan School, Osh’s celebration of National Language Day is one of the ways the school demonstrates its aim to foster students who are both academically accomplished and actively engaged citizens grounded in their national identity.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Students performing a stunning Kyrgyz dance at the National Language Day celebration.
- Students presenting a scene adapted from the novels of the Kyrgyz Republic's inaugural authors.
- Students of the partner-government school presenting a performance on Kyrgyz traditions at the National Language Day celebration.
- An exhibition of the detailed interior and architecture of the “Kyrgyz yurt” project by Grade 9 students at the event.
