Graduation day is approaching. As every year, students prepare to gather one last time at school. But recently, this event has become not just emotional but also expensive.
In the past, black trousers and white shirts were enough. Now the list is longer: special outfits, photo and video shoots, dances, graduation albums, restaurant galas. For parents, this means extra expenses.
So how much does a student cost on average? Preparation starts months ahead. The biggest expense is clothing: for girls, dresses, shoes, hair, and makeup; for boys, suits, shirts, and shoes, costing at least 130-150 manats.
Restaurants or event venues charge from 80 manats per person. Photo shoots and graduation albums range from 45-120 manats. Total average cost: 350-450 manats.
Dance teacher Iftikhar Rasulov says students are now more interested in national dances. Each class prepares two dances: a classical waltz and a national/modern piece. Training starts two months before, with several rehearsals per week. Cost per student: 25-50 manats.
Education expert Ramin Nuraliyev believes lavish events are unnecessary: "Simple and sincere celebrations are better. Graduation is an important memory, but excessive spending is not needed."
Sociologist Mail Yaqub emphasizes parental responsibility: "Parents should explain to their children that waste is meaningless. Competition between schools is wrong."
