Ghent, 5 September 2026 – On the occasion of Kazakhstan’s Day of Languages, Qazaq Roots Kazakh Cultural Centre in Ghent hosted a cultural and educational event organised by the Centre with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Belgium.

The gathering brought together compatriots living in Flanders, including children adopted by Belgian families, as well as Belgians interested in the language and culture of Kazakhstan. Participants read books in Kazakh, discovered works of Kazakhstani literature, and took part in quizzes and interactive language games.

Ayan Sakoshev, Executive Director of the “Kitap Oqityn Ult – Reading Nation” Public Foundation, joined the event online and spoke about the project’s objectives and its efforts to foster a culture of reading.

“Our goal is to make reading part of everyday culture that brings different generations together. It is particularly important for Kazakhstanis living abroad to maintain, through books, their connection with their native language, culture and Kazakhstan,” Ayan Sakoshev noted.

As part of the Reading Nation project, the Qazaq Roots library collection was expanded with new publications by Kazakhstani authors, which will be available for reading and book exchange.

“For our children growing up in Belgium, the Kazakh language is a connection to their roots. We want Qazaq Roots to be a place where they can not only learn the language, but also read books in Kazakh, communicate with one another and gain a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan’s culture,” said Mainur Zhumanova, Head of the Centre.

The Kazakh cultural centres established in Brussels and Ghent offer Kazakh language courses open to everyone. They help compatriots preserve their native language while giving Belgians an opportunity to learn more about Kazakhstan, its culture and traditions.

The event formed part of ongoing efforts to promote the Kazakh language abroad and to implement the Reading Nation project, which aims to encourage reading and promote Kazakhstani literature.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1286406?lang=ru