Supporting Volunteer Work in Kazakhstan: role of the National Bureau of Statistics in volunteer initiatives
The National Volunteer Network (NVN) in Kazakhstan is at the forefront of promoting and supporting volunteerism, particularly among youth, to foster community development and social action. This year, the NVN has implemented three grant projects through the Center for Supporting Civil Initiatives, focusing on environmental volunteering, emergency volunteering, and animal protection.
The NVN acts as the republican front office of volunteers, with a connection to regional front offices based on youth resource centers. It implements state programs of the Ministry of Culture and Information for the development of volunteerism and collaborates with organisations such as Chevron on projects promoting safety culture in schools.
The NVN is dedicated to developing the volunteer movement throughout Kazakhstan, focusing not only on the quantitative aspects of volunteering but also on qualitative ones, such as societal changes, consciousness, and interaction atmosphere. This holistic approach to volunteering is essential, given that volunteering is a deeper and more intriguing phenomenon in Kazakhstan, being an informal institution that creates unique connections within society.
In preparation for the International Volunteer Year in 2026, the NVN is expected to be involved. Although specific plans for this year have not been disclosed, it is likely that the NVN will be involved in mobilising volunteers and organising events aligned with international goals. This could include expanded volunteer mobilisation, training, inclusion of rural communities, and hosting youth-focused volunteer activities, consistent with UN and UNICEF frameworks.
Despite state support for volunteers since 2020, challenges remain, particularly in regions where local representatives may not understand volunteering, leading to a negative societal perception, obstacles to activities, and fear of volunteers. To change these situations, awareness about volunteering should be spread through different channels, explaining what volunteering is, its contributions, and the Law on Volunteer Activity of the RK.
The NVN researches volunteerism, trains volunteers and coordinators, develops methodological materials, and informs about the support that the state provides to volunteer organisations. It is also preparing 8 methodological aids on sectoral volunteering, one for each direction, including the Ministry of Ecology, and will release four more next year, covering a total of 12 directions.
In conclusion, the NVN plays a vital role in promoting and supporting volunteerism in Kazakhstan. While specific plans for the International Volunteer Year in 2026 have not been disclosed, it is expected that the NVN will be involved in mobilising volunteers and organising events aligned with international goals.
- The National Volunteer Network (NVN) in Kazakhstan is active in promoting education-and-self-development through volunteering, providing learning opportunities and skills-training to participants.
- The NVN collaborates with various organisations for career-development, such as Chevron, in projects fostering safety culture in schools and other areas.
- The NVN is working on policy-and-legislation related to volunteering, disseminating information about the Law on Volunteer Activity of the RK to combat negative perceptions and obstacles in local communities.
- General-news outlets often cover ongoing endeavors by the NVN, including the development of methodological materials for sectoral volunteering in 12 directions, such as the Ministry of Ecology.
