Kazakhstan
As an extension of our celebratory activities, the women participating in the Women Empowerment Project had the opportunity to empower their teenage daughters by encouraging them to take the lead in organizing a special event for the boys on Men’s Day. The women wanted their daughters to practice and develop the skills they had learned through the project and to pass these skills on to the next generation.
With support from their mothers, the girls took responsibility for planning and preparing the event. They divided the tasks among themselves: one suggested making pizza, another took charge of decorating the room, while others searched for decorations and materials they could bring from home. Together, we went shopping to purchase the necessary ingredients, drinks, and other supplies. On the day of the celebration, the girls arrived early to decorate the room, welcomed the boys with a song, and created a warm and joyful atmosphere.
For the Women Empowerment Project, this was a meaningful opportunity to see women’s learning and growth extend beyond the project itself. The mothers were not only developing skills for their own lives but were also intentionally passing these skills on to their daughters. By giving their daughters responsibility, encouraging them to work together, make decisions, communicate, and take initiative, the women were helping equip the next generation with the same practical skills they had been developing.
Equipping the Next Generation
Working in partnership with local education institutions, more than 2,000 students go through various parts of the life skills program each year.
Almost trafficked
We are so thankful that these girls weren’t trafficked by this woman. It is an ongoing battle as these traffickers are looking for children from vulnerable families- like this one.
Clear Communication
One woman in our group had long struggled with constant conflicts with her husband. During our sessions, the group explored lessons on clear communication—learning how to truly listen,
Wednesday Club
“Wednesday Club” is a two-hour programme for children with disabilities (CWD) and their caregivers, held once a week. While CWD work on physical exercises and socio-emotional skills,
Empowering Mothers
“It is so important that you know your rights!”
Training for Local Health Care Professionals
Kangaroo care and skin to skin contact between mother and newborn baby – these are vital practices unheard of in the local Kazakh neonatology hospitals.
Professionalism Produces Results
Practical training like this empowers therapists to be more professional and to achieve better results in their treatment.
Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Students
As our life skills team in Kazakhstan worked with several colleges, we began hearing a common concern from young teachers. Many were experiencing high levels of stress,
Now He Sits Like a King!
Positioning and proper support for children with cerebral palsy is crucial to their development and also to interacting and engaging with their environment.
Journey to Healing
Karlygash* attended our Women’s Empowerment seminars faithfully. She was deeply committed, rarely missed a session, and listened attentively to every lesson—especially those on family relationships, forgiveness,
Local Partnerships to Maximise Capacity
When a massive flood hit the North West of the country, our team was able to visit and make connections with families and centres with children with disabilities.
A Celebration of Dignity
This year’s International Women’s Day celebration under the Women’s Empowerment Project (WEP) was unlike any we had ever held before. For the first time, the gathering was filled predominantly by women from the deaf community,
Tools For Peacemaking
The women in this group are empowering one another to be peacemakers within their families and communities through sharing their stories and affirming positive change.
The Courage to Leave
In trafficking situations, women are often not able to get the medical attention they need, or they can’t afford to eat enough.
Women in Kazakhstan are Finding Their Voice
“After participating in some lessons, the women start to change their life with each other and they’re encouraging each other.”
Trauma and Survival
This is a painful story of trauma and survival.
Growing in Strength and Love
When our team first met Gulnar, a six-year-old girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and a suspected case of CHARGE syndrome, she was unable to walk or communicate.
I Trust You
“I can’t trust any of the women in the village—there’s so much judgment and gossip. But I trust you, the women sitting here in this group.”
Returning to the “Keys to Cleanliness”
We believe that this is what it means to love bravely — to go where few will go, to keep showing up, and to remind these women that they are seen,
The Joy of Restoration
Her sister was stunned that Rosa, herself, was willing to assume the shame.