RETURNING TO REVIVE HIS VILLAGE

Erzhan Bitniev, a graduate of the University of Warwick in Coventry (UK), has returned to his hometown of Kairat and has been serving as the Akim of the Kairat rural district in the Ualikhanov district of North Kazakhstan for seven years. In the 2021 akim elections, he received 90% of the vote.

Born in 1982 in Kairat, Erzhan completed his secondary education there before entering Eurasian National University to study history. After graduating in 2004, he returned to Kairat and worked as a teacher for three years. In 2007, he transitioned to public service at the akimat and four years later, thanks to the Bolashak program, began his master's studies.

Initially studying at an English college, Erzhan then transferred to the University of Warwick, where he completed language courses and a master's degree in «Leadership and Management in Education». After returning to Kazakhstan in 2014, he worked for two years at the Ministry of Culture and Sports before taking up the position of akim of Kairat rural district in 2017.

«I was first elected by the members of the maslikhat», Erzhan Kadyrovich explains. «In 2021, we had the akim elections, and nearly the entire population of the district voted for me».

Clearly, his education in England was not in vain, as the Bolashak scholar learned to live and work by global standards.

«I studied education management, but we also had a course in general management, so much of the knowledge has been useful», he continues. «Although I can’t say I use everything I learned at the University of Warwick, I definitely use a lot».

When asked if it feels limiting to work in a village with such a background, Erzhan Bitniev responds:

«Yes, I could work in the ministry and probably advance, but I decided to work in the place I left to study in England. I’ve lived in the city and can compare city life with rural life. I returned to preserve the village. There was a time when all the youth aspired to move to the city, but now there is a reverse trend. I talk to young people, encouraging them to stay, acquire land, and engage in farming. Personally, I could leave at any moment, but there is a duty to my small homeland. The city will still be there. Believe me, these are not empty words».

Over the years Erzhan Bitniev has served as akim of Kairat rural district, many changes have been made, and much of what was promised has been implemented. Although not everything depends solely on him, many issues have been addressed with the support of district and regional authorities.

When he returned, Kairat lacked even street lighting. Now, all streets are lit up in the evening. There was no mobile coverage – now it exists. Sports facilities for football have been built in two villages. The problem with drinking water has been resolved, and the goal is to provide water to every home. The budget estimate is done, the expertise is complete, and it remains to secure funds from the regional budget.

But the most important achievement is that people have come to trust the akim, and many are returning to their native places. They are acquiring land and raising livestock. According to the akim, Kairat rural district has the highest number of farming enterprises in the area.

For reference: The Kairat rural district has 415 residents, including 258 in Kairat and 157 in Zhas-Kairat. Since 2017, 11 families have returned to their small homeland.

«All are natives of our region», – Erzhan Bitniev notes. «Including my classmate, who is also a Bolashak scholar. He studied in Russia and now works as a school principal here. Another classmate has also returned and become a farmer. In general, people are gradually coming back».

The distance from Petropavlovsk to Kairat is 550 km, and 150 km from the district center. The most significant challenge now is the roads.

«Once we build the road to the district center, things will improve», – the akim dreams. «We have fertile land and plenty of it. Compared to other villages, living here is quite feasible. There are pastures, people are happy to raise livestock, and we have only two families receiving targeted social assistance».

Erzhan Kadyrovich lives in his parental home with his wife, son, and mother, who worked as a village teacher for forty years. She supported his decision to return home. Erzhan’s sister, Gul'dana, who also studied under the Bolashak program and graduated from the University of Nottingham, also returned to Kairat. She works as a schoolteacher in the village, teaching English.

«How do your fellow villagers view you» ?

«When I graduated from Eurasian University and returned to the village, many were surprised, thinking I should have stayed in the city», – Erzhan Kadyrovich answers. «But after my studies in England, people were pleased. By then, many began to understand that educated young people should also be present in the village, in the small homeland. I was welcomed warmly. I feel respected. Of course, there are tense moments. People don’t always like public servants, that’s an honest admission, but generally, my fellow villagers support me. As shown by the 2021 elections, where 90% of the district population voted for me».

As for where he prefers to live – Coventry or Kairat – Erzhan is confident:

«Home is home. Although, in England, everything is made for people. Service, cleanliness, order, safety. What didn’t I like? Tattoos, non-standard clothing, and extravagant hairstyles. But in Europe, it’s noticeable that people are always striving for self-improvement. They are always reading something everywhere. It seems it’s in their genes. They understand that nothing comes easily. One must strive and work. That’s the most important lesson I brought back. I am, of course, grateful to the government for giving us the opportunity to study abroad in prestigious universities. Thank you for that»!

The rural akim has grand plans. A priority is building houses because if there is housing, specialists will come. There is a shortage of teachers and doctors here. Even if they are rental houses, young specialists need to find accommodation. Additionally, water supply to every house is essential for comfortable living in the village. He also envisions having local hairdressers and craftsmen.

Regarding personal plans, Erzhan Bitniev says that if the people support him, he will run for a second term.

Author of the article: Andrey Kratenko, «Kazakhstanskaya pravda» newspaper
https://kazpravda.kz/n/a-doma-luchshe/