Volunteering

Volunteers change the world! Are you ready to become part of the UNICEF volunteer movement in Kazakhstan?

Volunteering 2025
UNICEF/Kazakhstan/2025/AdilAbiltayev

UNICEF’s youth volunteering programme brings together young people across the country to protect children’s rights, raise environmental awareness, promote digital literacy and build a more inclusive and just society. 

Since 2020, over 10,000 young people in Kazakhstan have joined UNICEF initiatives. In 2025, the programme expanded to six regional hubs — in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, Semey and Kokshetau. 

UNICEF 16-year-old volunteer Dilnaz Shalabayeva. Astana, Kazakhstan.
UNICEF/2023/RuslanKarsamov

Introducing the UNICEF School of Volunteering 

In 2025, UNICEF is launching the School of Volunteering — a unique online learning opportunity that ensures equal access to knowledge, no matter where you live. 

The programme will include six self-paced online courses: 

  • Introduction to Volunteering
  • Child Rights
  • Core Volunteering Skills
  • Bullying and Violence Prevention
  • Mental Health
  • Eco-Volunteering 

Each course will feature: 

  • Video lectures and presentations
  • Infographics and practice tasks
  • Thematic quizzes and final assessments
  • A certificate upon completion 

All materials will be available in Kazakh and Russian and adapted for independent learning. 
Courses will launch in August–September 2025. 

ComicCon 2025
UNICEF/Kazakhstan/2025/RomanKopanev

What do UNICEF volunteers do? 

Volunteers lead and support projects focused on child rights and sustainable development, including: 

  • Raising awareness about the environment, climate change and waste separation
  • Running awareness sessions in schools and colleges
  • Promoting inclusion and mental well-being
  • Organizing festivals, school events and community clean-ups
  • Taking part in eco-actions like tree planting and recycling
  • Promoting the U-Report platform through surveys and campaigns
  • Participating in youth meetups and volunteer challenges 

Who can become a volunteer? 

  • Aged 16–35
  • Motivated to join social, educational and environmental initiatives
  • Able to dedicate at least 20 hours per month to volunteering
  • Fluent in Kazakh and/or Russian
  • Communication, facilitation or organizational skills are a plus
  • English is an asset but not a requirement 

What do volunteers get in return? 

  • Free online training and certificates
  • Involvement in real UNICEF projects
  • Practical experience and new knowledge
  • Support from experienced trainers and programme coordinators
  • A sense of belonging in a national community of young changemakers
  • Opportunities to join the global UNICEF volunteers network
  • The chance to make a difference in your community and across the country 
Встреча с волонтерам в Шымкенте
UNICEF/Kazakhstan/2025/MikhailKleshyov

Volunteer applications are now closed 

Applications for the summer 2025 intake are now closed. All applicants who signed up for UNICEF events in summer 2025 have received a response. 

The next round of applications will open in autumn. Stay tuned for updates on our website and Instagram @unicefkazakhstan

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much time do I need to commit? 
We recommend volunteers dedicate an average of 20 hours per month. It’s easy to combine volunteering with your studies. 

Will I get paid? 
Volunteering is unpaid, but you will gain valuable experience, learn new skills, take part in training sessions, develop leadership, and connect with peers across Kazakhstan. 

Do I need to speak English? 
No, English is not required. However, it is considered an advantage. 

Got questions? 
Contact our Youth Engagement Consultant — 
Aiyim Daulbekova 
📧 [email protected]