Kazakh children living abroad to gather in historical homeland for International Kurultai
On the initiative of the World Association of Kazakhs and with the support of the Kazakh Ministry of Enlightenment, children of the Kazakh diaspora living abroad will gather in Baldauren recreation and education centre for a summer vacation, Karlygash Bekpatshakyzy, Advisor to the Chairman of the Association, said it in an interview with Kazinform News Agency
“This project started in 2003, when only seven children arrived [in Kazakhstan - edit] for a vacation. After the V World Kurultai of Kazakhs, held in 2017, the First Deputy Chairman of the Association, Zautbek Kauysbekuly, met with the minister and petitioned for an increase in quotas. This year, 288 children are expected to come," she said.
According to her, the quotas were distributed as follows: Russia - 55 children, Mongolia - 55, Uzbekistan - 55, Tajikistan - 10, China - 55, Kyrgyzstan - 35, Europe - 4, Türkiye - 5, Afghanistan - 5, Saudi Arabia - 5, Turkmenistan - 2, and Iran - 2.
“However, in connection with the difficult international situation, children from Europe and Türkiye will not be able to come this year," Karlygash Bekpatshakyzy added.
She emphasized that the children were selected based on their creative, educational and sports achievements.
“The goal of the project is to strengthen the connection of Kazakh children living abroad with their historical homeland. We want to help them feel their national identity more deeply, understand traditions, culture, language and spiritual values of the Kazakh people. We hope that in the future this will encourage them to come to Kazakhstan, study here and contribute to the development of the country," she said.
The International Children's Kurultai titled as "Men Qazaqpyn" (I am Kazakh) will be held in Baldauren Republican Educational and Recreational Centre, located in Burabay district of Akmola region, from July 7 to 21, 2025.
