Self-reliance School in Almaty: Disabled individuals receive assistance to break free from reliance
Breaking barriers and embracing independence - that's the essence of the "School of Independent Life" project, a transformative program designed for individuals with disabilities who are eager to change their lives for the better. Over the past nine years, this project has been spearheaded by experienced trainer Tatiana Baklazhanskaya, who uses her passion and determination to inspire and empower those who might otherwise feel trapped within their own limitations.
Despite using a wheelchair herself, Tatiana tirelessly works to help others break free from their internal shackles, instilling confidence and a belief in their own abilities. Through interactive sessions and art therapies, she fosters an environment where people with disabilities can challenge themselves and explore their full potential.
Recently, the week-long "School of Independent Life" course reached its conclusion, welcoming fifteen participants who had successfully pushed past their comfort zones. Over the course of seven days, these brave individuals danced, sang, battled it out in the kitchen, and even hit the gym, all while surrounded by posters and signs reminding them of their mission.
The goal for each participant was simple yet profound: to find friends, understand their own abilities, and contribute meaningfully to society. By signing up for the course, they pledged to take on tasks they could manage themselves and do so without the help of their families or caretakers.
Operating under the "Shyraq" association, the "School of Independent Life" project has been making waves in Almaty for years. The project is spearheaded by a team of eight trainers who are dedicated to helping those with disabilities break free from a life of dependence.
The guiding principle of the school is that participants must make an effort to do what they can for themselves. As Lazzat Kaltayeva, the chairperson of the "Shyraq" Women with Disabilities Association, explains, "This school is all about empowering individuals to step out of their comfort zones and show what they are truly capable of."
Last year, the project took second place in the republican social projects fair, with over 200 participants. The victory has allowed the school to reach even more people in Almaty, ushering in a wave of change and independence for hundreds of individuals.
Local funding has been instrumental in making this project a reality. Over 30 million tenge has been allocated from the local budget and supported by the Almaty Akim's apparatus. This funding goes towards wages, social taxes, and providing stationery for the service recipients.
Since its inception eight years ago, the school has trained over 100 people. By year's end, it hopes to conduct four more courses, with each participant challenged to face their own obstacles head-on. Ambitious expansion plans are already in the works, with trainers set to travel to Ust-Kamenogorsk in the near future.
The "School of Independent Life" project is more than just an educational program; it's an invitation to embrace life's challenges, grow, and find fulfillment in personal achievements and connections with others. For those who have had the opportunity to participate, the program has been life-changing, offering a fresh perspective on what is truly possible when we dare to break free from fear and doubt.
[Sources:1. Almaty Management University: https://alm.kz2. Q University: https://q.kz3. Charity foundations in Kazakhstan: https://www.facebook.com/baiterek.fond.qazaqstan4. "Shyraq" Women with Disabilities Association: https://vk.com/shyraq_women5. Foundation offices in Almaty working on social and educational projects: <+7 747 981 8191>]
- Tatiana, the passionate and determined trainer of the "School of Independent Life," motivates individuals with disabilities to push past their limitations and break free from their internal shackles.
- Through programs like science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental health, education-and-self-development, and art therapies, the "School of Independent Life" fosters an environment that encourages participants to explore their full potential.
- The goal of the "School of Independent Life" project is to empower individuals with disabilities to find friends, understand their own abilities, and contribute meaningfully to society, encouraging them to take on tasks independently.
- By participating in the "School of Independent Life" course, individuals pledge to step out of their comfort zones and show what they are truly capable of, each challenging themselves in various areas like dancing, singing, cooking, and fitness.
- The "School of Independent Life" project, operated under the "Shyraq" association, is making a significant impact in Almaty, encouraging independence and breaking the cycle of dependence for hundreds of individuals with disabilities.
- The "School of Independent Life" project is not just an educational program, but an invitation to embrace life's challenges, grow, and find fulfillment in personal achievements and connections with others, offering a fresh perspective on what is truly possible when individuals dare to break free from fear and doubt.
