#Kazakhstan #Almaty #Bulat Utemuratov Foundation #Jas Leader

Empowering Kazakhstan's Youth: The Success of the Jas Leader Program

In the dynamic landscape of education and leadership, the Jas Leader Akademiiasy program, initiated by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation in 2021, stands out as a transformative initiative. With a focus on young minds, the program aims to instill leadership qualities among students across Kazakhstan, thereby preparing them for a strategic handover as future leaders of their community.

Milestones and Evolution

Having recently completed its pilot phase, the Jas Leader Program has successfully engaged over 41,500 students from 124 schools across 17 regions in Kazakhstan. Targeting students from grades 5 to 11, the initiative’s interactive workshops have fostered essential skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and self-presentation among participants. To ensure a high-quality educational experience, more than 200 educators have undergone specialized training to effectively deliver the program’s curriculum and facilitate engaging sessions.

Innovative Learning Approaches

The program utilizes a diverse and stimulating curriculum that encourages active participation and practical learning. Through a mix of discussions on leadership principles, biographical studies of inspiring figures, interactive games, group projects, and hands-on exercises, students learn to grow personally and respect one another.

Akzhan Bakytbekova, an 11th grader from I.V. Panfilov School-Lyceum No. 5, highlighted her experience by saying, "Jas Leader was more than just a class. I learned to speak openly, work in a team, and truly listen to others. During one activity, we had to balance on an ever-shrinking piece of paper, relying on each other for support to keep from falling. It may seem simple, but it taught us trust and unity, which is the essence of this entire program."

Annual Forums: Celebration and Recognition

Each academic year culminates in the Jas Leader Forum held in Almaty, which gathers the most dedicated participants from all over the country. The latest event, hosted in July 2025 at the Tau Samal summer camp, brought together over 200 youths for a three-day experience filled with training sessions, excursions, and sports events. Esteemed Kazakh figures such as documentary filmmaker Aliya Ashim, actor Murat Muturganov, dancer Randy, and UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov shared their inspirational stories at the forum, encouraging the students to pursue their leadership journeys with vigor.

CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, Ainur Karbozova, noted, "From 2021 to 2025, the Jas Leader program has provided tens of thousands of students with practical skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. We take pride in passing this program to trusted local organizations so that even more children across the nation can benefit from this transformative experience."

Looking Ahead

As the Jas Leader Program transitions to local certified organizations, it signals a significant step toward sustainable growth and development for the youth of Kazakhstan. The commitment to empowering the next generation ensures that the spirit of leadership will continue to thrive, ultimately benefiting not only individual participants but society as a whole.

By focusing on nurturing the potential of young leaders today, the future of Kazakhstan looks promising. The Jas Leader Akademiiasy program exemplifies how structured leadership training can make a profound impact on a nation’s youth, paving the way for brighter and more collaborative futures.