Bekin Omar

The youngest recipient of the "Xalyq alǵysy" medal in Kazakhstan is a 17-year-old volunteer from Kokshetau

The youngest recipient of the "Xalyq alǵysy" (People's Gratitude) medal in Kazakhstan is Omar Bekin, a 17-year-old volunteer from the city of Kokshetau. The young volunteer shared with a Kazinform correspondent what motivated him to help those around him and spoke about his future plans.

Currently, Omar is a 12th-grade student at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Kokshetau. He has no issues with his academic performance. He is passionate about computer science, mathematics, and programming, while spending all his free time helping people.

"When I was in the 10th grade, our school hosted meetings with young people. Representatives from various organizations came to visit us, including members of the 'Duman' pedagogical squad. Overall, my first steps into community service began right with this squad. I underwent camp counselor training there and spent the entire past summer in children's camps. Starting in September 2019, my interest in volunteering grew even stronger. I joined the 'Jas Otan' youth wing and have been part of the organization ever since," Omar told the Kazinform correspondent.

The scope of their work is extensive: ranging from helping elderly people who cannot clean their homes or go to the grocery store, to supporting children with health issues. The youth are implementing a special project called "Qamqor," visiting medico-social facilities and assisting the Center for the Adaptation of Minors.

"Unfortunately, all these activities came to a halt during the quarantine. However, I believe we will resume this work at the first opportunity. In addition, we frequently clean the city streets. Personally, my friends from NIS and I cleaned up the yard near our school. We often walked past it and noticed how dirty it was. One day, we decided to clean it up ourselves to set an example for the residents," the volunteer continued.

Today, Omar serves as the head of the Kokshetau city branch of the "Jas Otan" youth wing under the "Nur Otan" party,senior counselor of the Akmola Regional "Duman" Pedagogical Squad, and a member of the Academy of Young Patriots of Kazakhstan.

Recently, by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, he was awarded the "Xalyq alǵysy" medal.

"I still remember the moment they told me I was being nominated for this award. I had originally gone to the party simply to help out with whatever was needed. Then they started asking for my personal details. At first, I didn't think it was anything major. But when I was told that Kassym-Jomart Tokayev himself would be presenting the medal, I was deeply surprised and felt a bit embarrassed. After all, there are so many young people working as volunteers. Yet, for some reason, they nominated me and three others. I didn't expect this because I always considered my volunteer work as something I did for myself, without expecting any rewards," Omar says.

However, this is not the young man's only honor. For his efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, he was awarded a Letter of Gratitude from the First President of Kazakhstan, N. A. Nazarbayev, as well as a Letter of Gratitude from Galym Bekmagambetov, First Deputy Chairman of the Akmola Regional Branch of the party.

When the "Biz Birgemiz" (We Are Together) campaign was launched at the initiative of Elbasy, Omar spent several months delivering food and essential supplies every single day. He personally delivered over 500 boxes to local residents.

"I would define my life goal like this: I want to change the world for the better. I know that sounds ambitious. For now, I don't know for sure which university I will attend. But even if I study abroad, I will definitely return home. I have clearly decided that for myself. I want to get a good education and apply the experience of other countries toward the development of Kazakhstan. Right now, I am considering two paths: international relations or computer science.However, I feel I am leaning more toward political activity," Omar shares.

According to the young volunteer, the timely support and trust of his parents, along with the guidance of his mentor—Sultanbek Bekeshev, Chairman of the Akmola Regional Branch of the "Jas Otan" youth wing—played a major role in his achievements today.

"The emotion you feel when helping someone is impossible to describe in words. It isn't just joy or a sense of satisfaction.A very special warmth appears inside you. You realize that through a simple act, you were able to make someone else's life much better. Perhaps that person will change their perspective on certain things after that.

I have one request for all readers. Right now is a very difficult time for our country. But there are many influential people who have the means to help others. Why not provide that help? As Elbasy said, 'Biz Birgemiz.' When we are together,overcoming any hardship becomes much easier. There is no need to criticize or judge people who are trying to help in one way or another. Try to look at situations from different angles and, if you have the opportunity, strive to become a volunteer," Omar concluded.