Burabay Summer Camp Hosts 200 Young Ethnic Kazakhs from Overseas
Otandastar Foundation’s Zhas Kazakh Summer Camp Welcomes Ethnic Kazakh Children from Around the World
ASTANA – The Otandastar (compatriots) Foundation hosted the Zhas Kazakh summer camp at the Burabay resort from July 1-14, inviting more than 200 ethnic Kazakh children aged 12 to 17 from eight different countries. This exciting event was reported by the Jibek Joly TV channel on July 14.
The two-week program provided a unique educational and entertainment experience for children from Belarus, China, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Russia, the United States, and Uzbekistan. The camp featured various activities such as horse riding, archery, traditional Kazakh sports, and applied arts classes. The children also had the opportunity to attend Kazakh language and dombra (traditional Kazakh musical instrument) lessons.
Imanbek Kniyazuly, a participant from Mongolia, shared his enthusiasm for the camp, saying, “During these two weeks, we had Kazakh language and history lessons and archery classes. It is really interesting and exciting here.” The camp aimed to immerse the children in Kazakh culture and heritage while fostering friendships among the diverse group of participants.
In addition to the recreational activities, the camp also arranged a visit to an exhibition showcasing Kazakhstan’s top universities. This allowed the children to learn about the education system and training programs offered in the country.
Aisha Okhtaubayeva from Russia expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I have made new friends and certainly learned a lot about Kazakhstan.” The camp offered a unique platform for cultural exchange and personal growth for the young attendees.
The Otandastar Foundation initiated the Zhas Kazakh summer camp project in 2019, welcoming 150 boys and girls from seven different countries. However, due to the global pandemic, the project was temporarily suspended for two years. Last year, 84 children from China, France, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Russia, and Türkiye were able to participate in the camp.
The Otandastar Foundation’s Zhas Kazakh summer camp serves as a testament to the commitment to nurturing cultural ties and promoting mutual understanding among ethnic Kazakh children from around the world. Through this initiative, young participants are given the opportunity to explore their Kazakh roots, learn about the country’s rich history, and build lasting friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds.
