Astana speaks with the voice of youth: UNICEF Volunteer school launches

ASTANA, 18 July 2025 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Kazakhstan launched the UNICEF Volunteer School today at Coventry University Kazakhstan, marking a landmark event in the ‘For the Rights and Well-being of Children and Youth’ meeting series. The initiative brought together 120 young participants from Astana eager to engage in social and environmental projects to make the city safer, more child-friendly, and more nurturing for children and adolescents.

UNICEF organized the launch with support from Coventry University Kazakhstan. Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan, and Miras Daulenov, President of Coventry University Kazakhstan, delivered the opening remarks. They highlighted the special significance of launching the Volunteer School in the capital, uniting the efforts of youth, educational institutions, and international partners to advance child rights.

“Starting this academic year, Coventry University Kazakhstan is launching a programme in international relations. This is particularly important for the Kazakhstani demographic, as it prepares specialists to work in a global environment. Partnerships with international organizations like UNICEF play a crucial role here. Students gain access to unique international expertise and participate in real-world global processes. As part of the programme, they study modern approaches to child rights protection, upholding the values and initiatives of UNICEF worldwide,” noted University President Daulenov.

“UNICEF believes in the power of young people as drivers of positive change. We are already seeing how young volunteers inspire their peers to participate in their communities — from helping vulnerable children to promoting mental health and climate action. In Astana, where one in three residents is a child, it is especially important to create an environment where children feel supported, feel safe, and have opportunities to thrive. Volunteering can bridge the gap between these goals and reality. We are delighted that the Volunteer School is bringing together such active and conscious youth in the capital,” emphasized Dr. Sarwar.

Astana is one of the country's youngest cities. With 472,084 residents under the age of 18, the youth account for 33 per cent of the population. The city shows positive trends, including one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the country, 93 per centof children aged 7 to 14 reading at home, and one in five preschool-aged children owning a home library of 10 or more books. At the same time, challenges remain: one in four children aged 5 to 9 is obese, and one in eight experiences harsh disciplinary methods.

The UNICEF Volunteer School in Astana provides opportunities for young people to learn about child rights, leadership, volunteering, and sustainable development. All participants will gain access to online training and will be able to implement their own initiatives in their schools, universities, and local communities.

As part of the Volunteer School, participants will also be able to join the global Green Rising Initiative — the flagship youth-led climate movement of UNICEF. The initiative aims to empower young people worldwide to take action on climate and environmental sustainability, including by developing and implementing their own green projects. This movement already spans over 70 countries and includes areas such as ecosystem restoration, pollution control, and green skills development.

The launch in Astana is part of a series of events across Kazakhstan. The school has already started in Aktau and will open in Almaty, Shymkent, Kokshetau, and Semey by the end of August.

Since 2020, more than 10,000 young people have become UNICEF volunteers in Kazakhstan. The UNICEF volunteer movement unites over 10 million volunteers worldwide.