The Kurultai in Burabay Brought Together Kazakh Children From Seven Countries
With support from the Halyk Charitable Fund, founded by Timur Kulibayev, the International Children’s Kurultai “Men Qazaqpyn” was held in Burabay. For the first time, children of Kazakh origin from seven countries came together on the land of their ancestors to connect with the culture, language, and spirit of their historical homeland.
Dialogue of Generations: Children from seven countries connected with their homeland
The International Children’s Kurultai “Men Qazaqpyn” was held at the Baldauren educational and health center in the Akmola region. The event brought together 288 Kazakh children from Mongolia, Russia, Uzbekistan, China, Turkey, Germany, and Kyrgyzstan.
For many of them, it was the first time Kazakhstan became more than just a name on the map—it became a living space filled with culture, language, and ancestral memory.
“My grandmother always said, ‘Your country is Kazakhstan.’ I dreamed of coming to Kazakhstan, and now my dream has come true. I saw my homeland and made friends with other Kazakh children from different countries. I’m proud that I speak my native language,” shared 13-year-old Inzhu from Mongolia.
The Kurultai program included classes in Kazakh language, ethnomusicology, history, and traditional crafts. In addition to these cultural subjects, children attended lectures on modern professions, entrepreneurship, and opportunities in the digital world.
Bridges Between Worlds: Partnership and Mission
The Kurultai was the result of a sustainable partnership between the World Association of Kazakhs and the Halyk Charitable Fund, founded by Timur Kulibayev. Special attention was given to talented children—winners of academic Olympiads, sports competitions, and creative contests—who were selected through a competitive process.
“Every child living abroad is part of the Kazakh people. We want to preserve the connection between generations and pass on the language, culture, and a strong sense of national identity. This is not a one-time initiative, but a long-term, systematic effort,” emphasized Aigul Akhmetova, executive director of the Halyk Charitable Fund.
In turn, Karlygash Bekpatshakyzy, Advisor to the Chairman of the World Association of Kazakhs, added that the goal of the project is not just to create emotional experiences, but to build a cultural bridge that could one day bring these children back to Kazakhstan.
Talent support
As part of the program, the Halyk Charitable Fund also financed the full setup of a music room at the Baldauren Center, giving children the opportunity to explore their creativity and learn to play national instruments.
The Halyk Charitable Fund emphasized that under the leadership of Timur Kulibayev, the organization carries out large-scale social projects in healthcare, education, social support, culture, and sports. Since 2024, special attention has been given to programs focused on strengthening the connection between Kazakh children living abroad and their historical homeland, preserving the Kazakh language, and maintaining national identity. These initiatives are part of the fund’s long-term strategic priorities.
The World Association of Kazakhs is an international organization with a 33-year history. It maintains cultural and educational ties with the Kazakh diaspora worldwide, provides support to repatriates, and carries out charitable programs both in Kazakhstan and abroad.
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