#Kazakhstan #Bulat Utemuratov #Shabyt Center #Zhezkazgan

Inauguration of the Shabyt Creativity Center in Zhezkazgan

On June 3, 2026, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation marked a significant milestone in child development by inaugurating the Shabyt Children's and Youth Creativity Center in Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. This center represents the most important educational facility for children in Zhezkazgan in over seven decades, aligning its opening with International Children's Day.

The investment for this transformative project amounts to an impressive $7.7 million, dedicated to enhancing educational and recreational spaces for children in the region. The center covers an area of 2,600 square meters and is designed to cater to various developmental needs, with the capacity to accommodate up to 250 children daily.

Modern Facilities and STEM Focus

The Shabyt Center includes 14 specialized classrooms and studios, which feature modern amenities tailored for interactive learning. Highlights include a dedicated STEM unit focusing on robotics, mathematics, and natural sciences, an art studio, a pottery workshop, a digital design studio, and photography facilities. Furthermore, rooms for music, chess, martial arts, and dance provide diverse opportunities for youth engagement. There’s even a children's development center and an expansive auditorium capable of hosting various activities.

The center's outdoor area spans 1.6 hectares and offers children access to sports facilities, playgrounds, and landscaped public spaces designed for relaxation and play. Notably, the building has been constructed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that children with diverse needs can participate fully in all activities. A dedicated sensory room also promotes inclusive education, enriching the development environment.

A Long-term Investment in the Future

Almaz Sharman, Chairman of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, emphasized the significance of supporting education and creating modern infrastructures for child development. He stated, "These projects represent a long-term investment in communities and contribute to the future of the country. I am confident that the new Shabyt Center will provide cutting-edge opportunities for supplementary education and foster the creative and professional development of children in the region."

Attending the inauguration was Dastan Ryspekov, the Akim of Ulytau region, who praised the initiative as more than just a modern facility. He highlighted the center's role in nurturing children's talents and providing them with the necessary skills for the future. “This center creates an environment where the new generation can build confidence and prepare for their futures,” he remarked.

The Shabyt Center is the latest of several social infrastructure projects undertaken by the foundation across Kazakhstan. Prior initiatives include constructing schools in Yesik and Kosshy, building a new airport in Kyzylorda, and developing community centers in Kosshy, all aimed at improving quality of life and educational access.

Through these efforts, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation is influencing positive change in Kazakhstan, shaping young minds, and adequately preparing them for an increasingly complex world.