The First Stone Laid for a New Palace of Schoolchildren in Zhezkazgan
A landmark event took place in Zhezkazgan – the ceremonial laying of the first stone for the new Palace of Schoolchildren.
The $7 million facility will become a flagship center for extracurricular education for children and teenagers in the region, opening new opportunities for creativity, science, and sports.
A landmark event took place in Zhezkazgan – the ceremonial laying of the first stone for the new Palace of Schoolchildren.
All expenses for construction and equipment will be fully covered by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, which will oversee the entire project. Upon completion, the facility will be transferred free of charge to the city administration.
The Foundation’s decision to build the center in Zhezkazgan was not accidental: Ulytau Region is new and dynamically developing, with the number of children growing every year. The Palace of Schoolchildren is intended to become a modern space that meets these needs and represents an important step in the region’s development.
The symbolic first stone was laid in a festive ceremony attended by Ulytau Region Akim Dastan Ryspekov, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation Almaz Sharman, and the Foundation’s Director Ainur Karbozova.
“The Palace of Schoolchildren is not just new infrastructure; it is a timely response to the needs of a growing younger generation. Today Zhezkazgan lacks modern spaces for children’s extracurricular education and development. We are grateful to the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation for supporting the creation of this new center, which will open broad opportunities for creativity, science, and sports,” said Ulytau Region Akim Dastan Ryspekov.
The building will cover 2,600 square meters and will accommodate up to 250 children at a time. Inside, it will feature an assembly hall, media center, dance and martial arts halls, sensory rooms, a photo studio and music rooms, as well as a specialized STEM center combining digital art, robotics, natural sciences, and exact sciences.
The surrounding grounds will include children’s and sports playgrounds, recreational areas, parking, and landscaping. The building will be fully accessible for people with limited mobility and will meet all safety and energy efficiency requirements. Completion of construction is expected in June 2026.
“We believe that every child, regardless of where they live, should have equal access to quality development. The Palace of Schoolchildren will become a place where ideas are born, character is shaped, and talents are revealed. We are proud to be part of this important project,” said Almaz Sharman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.