"Everything is free with us!" A unique creative center is now open in Almaty.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev consistently emphasizes in his speeches that Kazakhstan is building a just state and an inclusive society, where every citizen, regardless of age, gender, social status, or health condition, should have equal rights and opportunities. In the summer of 2021, the head of state signed a law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Inclusive Education". Thanks to the political will of the president, significant amendments were made to four laws: "On Social and Medical-Pedagogical Correctional Support for Children with Disabilities", "On Education", "On the Rights of the Child", and "On the Social Protection of Disabled Persons in the Republic of Kazakhstan". The need for these changes was driven by the increasing number of children with special educational needs in the country; however, the existing norms and standards for specialized educational organizations had become outdated. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed to update the regulations in accordance with modern requirements and standards.

In Kazakhstan, more organizations, funds, and centers are opening where not only children and teenagers but also adults with disabilities can develop their creative and sporting talents. It is essential to identify children with special needs as early as possible so that they can adapt more quickly for learning and a full life. Advanced inclusive programs are being implemented across educational institutions, starting from kindergartens, with an individual approach, enhancing the educational process based on the developmental characteristics of the students. In inclusive groups, operating under state orders, children are attended to by educators, trainers, psychologists, speech therapists, defectologists, and even doctors. Inclusive centers are equipped with special rehabilitation equipment, and their beneficiaries successfully participate in festivals and competitions, achieving prize-winning places in sports events.

In March of last year, the unique Social Integration Center opened its doors in Almaty. It is located in the heart of the city in a spacious building with fresh renovations. In the bright, cozy rooms, all activities take place in a warm, truly family atmosphere. The head of the "Support for Low-Income Citizens – Birge bike samgau" fund, Asel Kuatbekova, and the project leader of the "Social Integration Center", Zhanna Bekenova, along with a team of like-minded individuals, are doing everything possible to turn Almaty into a city of equal opportunities.

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“Our center is different from similar institutions in that in the inclusive art space, individuals with disabilities and intact intellect aged 10 and older, together with the city’s creative youth, develop their abilities and talents based on inclusion and equal access. They enhance their creative potential and gain knowledge about creative professions in visual arts, acting, writing, and music. We involve young artists and musicians as studio curators!” - shares Zhanna Bekenova.

The Social Integration Center always welcomes guests, and Asel Kuatbekova eagerly organized a tour for journalists from the El.kz news agency. Proudly, she invited the media representatives to join the activities in the creative studios and appreciate the achievements of the center's beneficiaries. Fairly, it should be noted that they have much to impress even the most discerning viewers. Original crafts and souvenirs crowd the shelves, and beautiful paintings created in various techniques adorn the walls; the students dance remarkably, play the dombra, and sing. The recording studio and the classroom for learning the basics of photography and video shooting, as well as the introduction to blogging rules and skills for writing popular content for social networks, are visually appealing. If visitors have additional requests (language courses, home economics, or anything else), the center’s staff will consider them and try to find a teacher.

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“I hurry to work like it’s a celebration at any time of the year. My students greet me with genuine joy, and I instantly forget about all problems and difficulties. In our dance group, we all perfectly complement each other, literally being on the same wavelength. Dancing liberates a person, relieves psycho-emotional tension, positively impacts the entire body, strengthens muscles, and fosters the development of teamwork and leadership skills. Through creative practices, the socialization of individuals improves. In an accessible and inclusive environment, our students take their first steps toward successful integration into society. I consider my work to be my true calling, and I am glad it found me!” - admits Munar Kubeev.

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During our conversation with Munar, the boys and girls from the center were watching him with curious eyes. As soon as the conversation ended, they immediately expressed their desire to dance for the guests. Munar didn’t need to be asked twice; he turned on the music, and the students took their places in front of a large mirror to see how accurately and harmoniously they performed the movements, delivering a stunningly energetic choreography. A dance group as talented as theirs undoubtedly deserves to take the stage and participate in creative contests and festivals. By the way, the team has experience performing. They have concerts at the "Veterans' House" and the charitable foundation "AYALA", with which they share bonds of friendship and mutual cooperation. The design of the stage costumes for the group was developed by Munar Kubeev, effortlessly combining the ability to teach choreography with the talent of a designer. Additionally, Munar teaches those interested in computer literacy.

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They have shown remarkable skills in dombra lessons and applied arts classes. They painted and crafted handmade items. Artist Zhanar Kablanova conducts classes using an authorial methodology, giving equal attention to all students, generously offering kind words, encouragement, and praise.

“I used to work at the 'Veterans' House' with pensioners and was constantly amazed by their desire to express feelings and emotions through creativity. However, my current students impress me even more. Their works are filled with kindness, light, and faith in a better future. There are no boundaries for creativity, and my students prove this every day!” - says Zhanar Kablanova.

In the Social Integration Center, there are no "us" and "them"; the words "mine" and "I" are rarely heard, while "we," "together," "our," and "us" resonate from everywhere. Parents bringing their children to classes can attend the lessons or wait for their completion in a festively decorated hall.

“My daughter loves the center, she rushes here and hasn’t missed a single class. Akbota is 15 years old; she was born special. I know thousands of stories about how husbands in similar situations leave the family, abandoning their wives and children, erasing them from their lives. Fortunately, our situation is different. We all love Akbota dearly, especially her older brother. At the center, my daughter attends all the studios; she likes the teachers and easily connects with the other kids!” - shares Saule Dalabaeva.

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Akbota's friend, Dana, also comes to the center in a great mood. A kind, smiling, open, and positive girl eagerly participates; she loves to draw and create. Dana was diagnosed with autism at three and a half years old. Her parents did not give up, did not despair, and raised their daughter, striving to fully unlock her potential. She attended kindergarten and studied at a correctional school. Today, Dana is the soul of the center.

“I noticed from infancy that my daughter was different from ordinary children. She lacked eye contact, didn’t reach for the toys we offered her, her sleep was restless, and she hardly slept. Doctors scolded me for being overly concerned, assuring me that everything was fine with the child. I advise mothers in a similar situation to immediately raise the alarm. If your child's behavior causes you concern, do not let your vigilance down. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the higher the chance for successful rehabilitation.” - advises Saule Ordabaeva.

The Social Integration Center opened with the support of the Employment and Social Programs Department of Almaty. Its head, Baurzhan Zhaubasov, and the head of the Social Programs Implementation Department, Rakhilyam Makhpirova, regularly visit the center and participate in the events held there. Baurzhan Zhanatovich, impressed by the musical talents of the children, also performed a melody on the dombra.

“The scale of inclusive support from the government is growing. But the success of our collective work depends on each of us. Therefore, I would like to address all Kazakhs. The beneficiaries of the center differ from completely healthy peers, and they urgently need friends and a kind attitude. It’s disheartening to see adults frightening children with disabilities, not allowing them to play with peers who have limited health capabilities, hastily passing by someone with developmental differences while averting