On July 9, 2025, the official opening ceremony of the Jas Qazaq summer educational ethno-camp for ethnic Kazakh children living abroad took place at the IQanat High School of Burabay.
The event was organized by the Otandastar Foundation, a non-profit joint-stock company under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Jas Qazaq is a unique initiative aimed at strengthening the cultural and spiritual ties between young ethnic Kazakhs and their historical homeland. This marks the fifth edition of the camp. Over 700 children have participated in previous years, and in 2025, nearly 150 children from the USA, Turkey, Poland, UAE, Russia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China are attending.
The camp runs from July 7 to 20 and offers a two-week program where participants explore the Kazakh language, history, traditions, and national games. They will also gain hands-on experience in setting up a yurt, horseback riding, and playing the dombra and other traditional instruments. In addition, they will attend an educational exhibition featuring leading Kazakhstani universities and build friendships with peers from various countries.
“This is a very special and meaningful project for ethnic Kazakh children living abroad. It is not just a vacation—it’s a journey into their roots, language, and culture. Here, they reconnect with their national identity,” said Alibek Zhurkadam, Vice President of the Otandastar Foundation.
He added that approximately 150 children are taking part this year, and the Foundation aims to expand the project and increase the number of participants in the coming years.
The Jas Qazaq camp stands as a vivid example of Kazakhstan’s continued commitment to supporting its diaspora through cultural and humanitarian initiatives.