#Kazakhstan #Almaty #Jas Leader #Utemuratov

Bulat Utemuratov Foundation's Jas Leader Program

The Jas Leader Akademiiasy initiative, established by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation in 2021, has made significant strides in shaping young leaders across Kazakhstan. Following the successful completion of its pilot phase, the program is set for a strategic transition to local certified organizations, which will oversee its expansion and ensure that even more students can participate.

Historically, the program has seen participation from over 41,500 students across 124 schools in 17 regions of Kazakhstan. This initiative targets pupils in grades 5 through 11, fostering essential skills like confidence, teamwork, effective communication, and self-expression through interactive learning experiences. To facilitate this growth, more than 200 educators have received specialized training to deliver the curriculum and lead engaging sessions.

The learning methodology involves extracurricular workshops filled with discussions on leadership, storytelling, and practical exercises. Engaging activities such as group projects, historical biography discussions, and interactive games pave the way for personal growth and mutual respect among students. One of the participants, Akzhan Bakytbekova, an 11th grader from I.V. Panfilov School-Lyceum No. 5, expressed her newfound capabilities: "Jas Leader became more than just a class. I learned how to speak openly, collaborate in a team, and truly listen to others. In one exercise, we worked as a group to stay balanced on a shrinking sheet of paper, which taught us vital lessons about trust and unity, essential values that the whole program embodies."

Each academic year culminates with a Jas Leader forum held in Almaty, which showcases the most engaged students nationwide. The latest forum, held in July 2025 at the Tau Samal summer camp, brought together over 200 teenagers for three enriching days filled with training, excursions, and sports. Esteemed Kazakhstani figures, including documentary filmmaker Aliya Ashim, performer Murat Muturganov, dancer Randy, and UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov, participated in the forum, sharing their inspiring stories with the youth.

Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, emphasizing the program's impact, stated, "From 2021 to 2025, Jas Leader has empowered tens of thousands of students, equipping them with practical skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. We take pride in transitioning the program's management to trusted local institutions, ensuring that even more children across the country can reap the benefits of this transformative experience."

In conclusion, the Jas Leader Akademiiasy program not only nurturers future leaders but also builds a network of resilience and mutual support among the youth of Kazakhstan. As it moves into this new phase, the potential for further positive impact stands to grow exponentially, underscoring the commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.