#Kazakhstan #Almaty #Leadership Skills #Bulat Utemuratov Foundation #Jas Leader Akademiiasy

Empowering the Future: The Jas Leader Program in Kazakhstan

In a significant step towards developing future leaders, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation launched the Jas Leader Akademiiasy program in 2021. As of July 2025, this innovative initiative has empowered over 41,500 students across 124 schools in 17 regions of Kazakhstan. The program's objective is to cultivate vital leadership qualities in young individuals, specifically targeting students from grades 5 to 11.

A Transformative Experience

The Jas Leader program is not just another educational initiative; it represents a commitment to enriching student lives through interactive and hands-on learning experiences. During its pilot phase, students participated in extracurricular workshops designed to enhance their confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and self-expression. Over 200 educators received specialized training to ensure that the curriculum delivered meaningful and impactful sessions.

The program's structure includes a variety of engaging activities like teamwork exercises, leadership discussions, profiles of inspiring figures, and thorough group projects. These components are oriented towards developing personal growth and fostering mutual respect among peers.

Personal Testimonies

A testament to the program's effectiveness comes from Akzhan Bakytbekova, an 11th-grade participant at I.V. Panfilov School-Lyceum No. 5. She shared her experience, saying, "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 activity, we had to stand together on an ever-shrinking sheet of paper, which taught us about trust and unity. That's what the whole program is about!"

Culminating Events and Community Impact

To celebrate the students' achievements and provide further motivation, each academic year concludes with the Jas Leader Forum held in Almaty. This event gathers active participants from across the nation to engage in a three-day experience of training sessions, excursions, and sports. The most recent forum, conducted at Tau Samal summer camp in 2025, welcomed over 200 teens. Renowned figures from various domains joined to inspire the youth, including filmmaker Aliya Ashim, performer Murat Muturganov, dancer Randy, and UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, proudly announced, "From 2021 to 2025, Jas Leader empowered tens of thousands of students to gain practical skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. We are proud to hand over the program to trusted local institutions so that even more children across the country can benefit from this transformative experience."

Looking Ahead

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has successfully completed the pilot phase of the Jas Leader Akademiiasy program, transitioning the management to certified local organizations who will spearhead its expansion. This strategic handover aims to further disseminate the program’s benefits, ensuring that leadership training continues to evolve and reach more students.

As the initiative expands, it promises to leave a lasting impact on the youth of Kazakhstan, equipping them with essential skills to excel in their future endeavors and contribute positively to society. The Jas Leader program serves as a model for integrating leadership training into the educational framework, enhancing the overall growth of future generations.