“It’s about support and trust.” How Jas Leader is changing students across the country

Through the Jas Leader Akademiiasy program, 41,500 Kazakhstani students have developed leadership and teamwork skills, learned to express their ideas clearly, and become more attentive to others.

Developed and implemented at the initiative of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, the project is now being transferred to the management of the country’s largest certified organizations so that even more students and teachers can take part in the training.

What the Jas Leader program is about

The Jas Leader program launched in 2021. It engaged students in grades 5 to 11 across 124 schools in 17 regions of Kazakhstan. More than 200 teachers completed specialized training and went on to serve as coaches for their students.

The sessions were delivered as extracurricular electives, where teenagers discussed leadership and the biographies of influential figures, took part in interactive games and team projects, and strengthened skills such as communication and self-presentation.

Since the program began, extensive work has been carried out to develop teaching materials, train educators, organize the learning process, and host annual forums.

“Jas Leader became more than just an elective for me. I learned to speak openly about my thoughts, work in a group, and listen to others. In one activity, we all stood on a sheet of paper, and with each round the space got smaller. We held onto each other so no one would fall. It seemed like a simple game, but it was really about support and trust. That’s exactly what the whole program teaches,”
said Akzhan Bakytbekova, an 11th-grade student at Panfilov School-Lyceum No. 5, reflecting on her experience.

A year-end forum in Almaty

Each academic year concluded with the Jas Leader Forum in Almaty, which brought together the most active participants from all regions. In 2025, the forum was held from July 12 to 15 at Tau Samal and welcomed more than 200 teenagers. The program featured training sessions, excursions, and sports activities.

Success stories and motivation

Participants also heard personal success stories from prominent guests, including documentary filmmaker Aliya Ashim, performer Murat Muturganov, dancer Randy, and UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov.

“From 2021 to 2025, the Jas Leader program helped tens of thousands of students across Kazakhstan build confidence, strengthen communication skills, learn to work as part of a team, and take responsibility. This is not theory — it’s hands-on training, project work, and real interaction: everything that matters today for personal and professional growth. Students learned how to express their ideas, resolve conflicts, take initiative, and feel part of something bigger.
We are now integrating the program into the public education system so that as many children as possible can benefit from this important experience,” said Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.