The first phase of the "Reading Nation" project, which began in September in the Karaganda and Kostanay regions and the city of Shymkent, has come to an end.
The "Reading Nation" project is a large-scale intellectual and educational initiative aimed at creating a sustainable reading culture in our country. Its main goal is to promote reading, develop critical thinking, and strengthen books as the main source of knowledge, inspiration, and intellectual growth.
The project is implemented within the framework of the concept expressed by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the III session of the National Congress and aims to place Kazakhstan among the top ten countries in the world with the highest book reading rates.
Within a month, 189,221 people from 3 regions applied to participate.
67,438 participants registered in Karaganda region, 55,281 citizens applied in Kostanay region, and 66,502 applications were received from Shymkent city.
Including 87,157 students in grades 6-10, 14,049 teachers, 2,388 local government employees, as well as 36,553 families, and 29,085 college and university students.
Contest participants will compete in six main categories: "Book-Reading School", "Book-Reading Teacher", "Book-Reading Family", "Book-Reading College", "Book-Reading University", and "Book-Reading Civil Servant".
In the second phase of the project, each registered participant must read 15 books from the approved list. For each direction, the list prepared by experts and representatives of the relevant field was adapted to the age and interests of the participants, and the selection of works focused on the development of values such as patriotism, responsibility, a desire for knowledge, and critical thinking.
These lists include works selected through a nationwide vote on "100 Popular Books of Kazakh Literature", the best works of world literature and works that promote our national cultural heritage, as well as globally recognized bestsellers.
Rules for each direction and a list of recommended books for reading are published on the website www.reading-nation.kz.
Akan Besbayev, head of the "Reading Nation" project office in Shymkent:
- "The "Book-Reading Nation" project launched in our city is giving a new impetus to the spiritual life of residents. The meetings organized within the framework of the project in libraries, schools, and universities showed a special interest among the city's residents. The activity of the youth community is especially noteworthy - they value books not only as a means of learning, but also as a key to freedom of thought and comprehensive development. This initiative is enriching the cultural image of our city and making a significant contribution to the formation of a new generation eager for knowledge."
The project is being implemented by the Public Foundation "Reading Nation - Reading Nation" with the support of the "Amanat" party and the akimats of Karaganda, Kostanay regions and Shymkent. The main sponsor is Alageum Electric.
The results of the competition are scheduled to be announced in April 2026.