ASTANA ( WNAM MONITORING ): As Rotary International celebrates its 120th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Astana marks ten years of civic engagement and community-driven initiatives in the Kazakhstani capital. From inclusive playgrounds to supporting women’s leadership and vulnerable families, the club continues to build a culture of service, one project at a time, said Rotary Club of Astana member, entrepreneur and deputy chair of the Alliance of Women’s Forces of Kazakhstan, Bayan Toikebayeva, in an interview with The Astana Times.
“We believe in serving above self. Each year, we identify a local project that responds to real community needs. This is what makes Rotary unique. The leadership here rotates annually, which allows many of us to step forward, lead initiatives and build deeper community ties,” said Toikebayeva.
This year, to mark the international Rotary movement’s 120th anniversary, the club planted 120 trees and hosted the Rotary Ball, a major charity event attended by 120 guests. The fundraiser collected 25 million tenge (US$49,000) to support the Zamandas-21 family courtyard club project.
The initiative provides free access to educational and extracurricular activities for more than 5,000 children from low-income, single-parent, or large families, many of whom receive targeted social assistance. Programs include chess, dombyra, martial arts, robotics, English and hockey.
“We call Zamandas-21 a ‘territory of happiness’ because it offers a safe and empowering space for children who otherwise might not have access to such opportunities,” said Toikebayeva.
The Rotary Club has collaborated with Zamandas-21 for several years. This year’s Rotary Ball featured a charity auction where signature items were auctioned with the support of over 20 partner organizations. The items included Dimash Kudaibergen’s dombyra, which was eventually sold for four million tenge (US$7,840), boxing gloves from Gennadiy Golovkin and Daniyar Yeleussinov, and memorabilia from other cultural figures.
“These lotted items were donated by artists and athletes who believe in our mission. We contacted Dimash’s mother personally, and they have supported us before. They also donated his jacket for a previous auction,” she added.
