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Today, the Central Office of the AMANAT Party hosted a meeting of the Republican Council for Youth Support. The session focused on the future development of the «Bolashak» program. Attendees included members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education D. Shcheglova, Vice Minister of Education E. Ospan, Deputy Director of the Human Resources Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs A. Baysynov, Chairwoman of the Board of the Center for International Programs A. Ospanova, "Bolashak" alumni, council members, representatives of youth organizations, journalists, and others.
The meeting was opened by the Chairman of the Council, Member of the Committee on Social and Cultural Development of the Mazhilis Nartai Sarsengaliyev. The Deputy emphasized that over the past 30 years, the «Bolashak» program has significantly contributed to creating a pool of highly knowledgeable and competent professionals in the country. Following the President's instructions, recent years have seen a focus on training engineering and medical specialists. However, it remains necessary to regularly update the list of specialties needed in the country.
Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education Dinar Shcheglova reported on the development of the Strategy for the International Scholarship Program «Bolashak» for 2024-2026. The strategy includes forming a list of specialties based on labor market analysis, preparing specific specialists for regions, developing PhD students under the Split PhD model, improving the internship program, and digitalizing the selection and admission processes.
Alya Ospanova, Chairwoman of the Board of the Center for International Programs, discussed the Center’s administration of the program, 24/7 support for students studying abroad, visa assistance, and individual academic planning. She also highlighted the Center's preparation for the 2024 intake and plans for digital transformation. Since late January of this year, scholarship holders for internships and the «500 visiting scholars» program have been signing contracts online.
«A significant issue is the lack of Kazakh-language content and language clubs for students abroad. Many students strive to maintain their interest in the language and culture but face difficulties. Therefore, it would be appropriate to organize a 'Qazaq Speaking Club' abroad under the supervision of responsible state agencies»,– emphasized A. Ospanova.
The discussion included input from «Bolashak» alumni. Journalist Kanat Auesbay suggested paying special attention to creating ombudsman roles at Kazakh diplomatic missions to oversee students abroad regularly. Erdaulat Rakhmatulla, a recipient of the intergovernmental «Stipendium Hungaricum» grant, requested support from responsible state agencies to activate the «Center of Abai» in Budapest, which opened in 2019 but remains inaccessible to Kazakh students.
In conclusion, Mazhilis members Nurgul Tau and Nurlan Auesbaev posed several questions about the future development of the «Bolashak» program.
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