A forum and exhibition of social projects dedicated to the Day of Social Protection Workers was held in Astana. The event was organized to demonstrate best practices and discuss new approaches to solving social issues aimed at improving the quality of life and supporting people with disabilities.
The forum was attended by more than 150 people, including representatives of non–governmental organizations (hereinafter referred to as NGOs), experts in the field of inclusion and active citizens seeking to improve social support and the quality of life of vulnerable groups.
Within the framework of the event, a dialogue took place between representatives of government agencies and the third sector in order to form an effective partnership to improve social policy and expand opportunities for citizens in need of support.
In her welcoming speech, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Svetlana Zhakupova stressed the importance of the forum site in the joint work of government agencies and NGOs.
"Representatives of public associations and NGOs are actively involved in the implementation of social projects and have become reliable and active partners. Together with the expert community of persons with disabilities, a draft Concept of Inclusive Policy until 2030 has been developed, the conceptual innovation of which is to create conditions for the transition from a medical and social to a socio-human rights model of disability. Thank you for your active citizenship.
Today's forum has become an excellent platform for expanding and developing partnerships. The best projects of the republic are collected here. I hope this forum will inspire you with new ideas, and we will also meet here next year, discussing new projects," said the head of the Ministry of Health.
The Forum began with an exhibition of social projects, where 20 NGOs from Astana presented their initiatives. Visitors were able to get acquainted with projects aimed at supporting people with disabilities, developing inclusive communities, increasing creative potential, as well as educational programs for orphans. Special attention was drawn to the art exhibition organized by the ISKER Foundation, which presented works of art created by people with disabilities.
"The Social Projects Forum is an important event that unites the efforts of non–profit organizations, social entrepreneurs and government agencies to solve urgent social problems. This event is aimed at supporting those who work daily to improve the lives of socially vulnerable groups of the population and make a significant contribution to the development of inclusion and social well-being. Such initiatives not only raise awareness of existing problems, but also inspire further action for the benefit of society. I am sure that the forum will become a source of new ideas and partnerships that will help make our world a better place," said Zahira Begalieva, Director of ITeachMe.
After the exhibition, a plenary session was held on the theme "Social projects that change lives", where issues of employment and education of people with disabilities, the creation of inclusive communities and the development of creative potential through inclusive initiatives were discussed.
An award ceremony was also held within the framework of the forum, at which the achievements of 20 NGOs actively working in the social sphere were noted.
Among the awardees: NGO "Bakytty Shanyrak", NGO for the disabled "Fomalhaut", international project "Inclusive Academy", OF "Ybyray", NGO "Omir Tynysy", club house "Alrami", Center for Social Inclusive Programs, Eurasian Association for the Development of Inclusive Society, Bolashak Foundation, Para Dance Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, OF "Special Holidays", "QazTech Development" LLP, "Dos Ortopedia" company, charitable foundations "Miras-A" and "Plus One", NGO "Kazakhstan Society of the Deaf", social startups "Balam AI", "HandInHand", "Bulan", as well as the National Volunteer Network.
The forum ended with a bright concert program, which was attended by artists of the Federation of Para Dancers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, the theater of deaf dancers "SILENCE" and OF "Bakytty Shanyrak".
The Social Projects Forum not only allowed participants to exchange experiences and ideas, but also emphasized the importance of developing inclusive programs and supporting social initiatives to improve the lives of citizens of Kazakhstan.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/enbek/press/news/details/873276