#Kazakhstan #Almaty #Bulat Utemuratov #Jas Leader

Bulat Utemuratov Foundation's Jas Leader Program

Since its inception in 2021, the Jas Leader program has made significant strides in empowering the youth of Kazakhstan, training over 40,000 students across the nation. Launched by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, the initiative is designed to cultivate leadership skills among students from grades 5 to 11, promoting a hands-on and interactive learning experience.

Over the years, the program has successfully engaged 41,500 students from 124 schools in 17 regions. Recognizing the need for leadership education, it focuses on critical areas such as communication, teamwork, self-expression, and confidence building through practical learning approaches. More than 200 educators have been specifically trained to deliver the curriculum and facilitate sessions that enhance students' experiences.

The program operates primarily as extracurricular workshops, which include discussions on leadership, biographical studies of inspiring figures, group projects, and practical exercises aimed at fostering mutual respect and personal growth. A prominent participant, Akzhan Bakytbekova, an 11th grader from I.V. Panfilov No. 5 School-Lyceum, expressed, “Jas Leader became more than just a class. I learned to speak openly, collaborate as a team, and listen attentively to others. During one activity, we had to stand together on an increasingly smaller piece of paper, relying on each other not to fall. It may seem simple, but it taught us about trust and unity, which is the essence of this program.”

Each academic year culminates in the Jas Leader forum in Almaty, bringing together the most dedicated participants from throughout the country. The latest event, held in July 2025 at the Tau Samal summer camp, gathered over 200 teenagers for an enriching three-day experience filled with training sessions, excursions, and sports activities. Notable Kazakh figures such as documentary filmmaker Aliya Ashim, artist Murat Muturganov, dancer Randy, and UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov attended to share their inspiring stories with the young leaders.

From 2021 to 2025, the Jas Leader program has effectively equipped tens of thousands of students with practical skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, proudly stated, “We are honored to transition the program to trusted local institutions so that even more children across the country can benefit from this transformative experience.”

The program's future appears bright as it embraces local collaboration to continue nurturing the next generation of leaders in Kazakhstan, reinforcing commitment to building a hopeful and capable youth for the challenges of tomorrow.