Hands-on workshop catered specifically for economically disadvantaged children in Almaty
In the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan, a significant event took place: the "Start the Year with Good Deeds" masterclass, aimed at providing cultural education and practical skills to children from low-income and disadvantaged families. The event, reported by Almaty.tv, brought together these children to participate in a shared artistic and cultural experience, fostering social cohesion and mutual understanding.
The masterclass, held at the Academy of Arts named after T. Zhurgenov College, featured a masterclass on the art of wool felting. This hands-on art, historically rooted in Kazakh nomadic culture, allowed the children to connect with their cultural heritage. By learning this traditional craft, they not only gained a valuable skill but also a sense of belonging to their cultural community.
The main symbol created during the masterclass was an apple, symbolizing Almaty. The apples created by the children will be hung on a tree, a symbol of unity, according to Aisulu Aypbergenova, a specialist in public relations at the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs. Atajyrk Azaybayzhan, a student from Bereke City, who attended the masterclass, expressed enjoyment and appreciation for the event and the teachers.
Aisulu Aypbergenova stated that the whole meaning of the event lies in unity. The apple, she explained, is a symbol of unity, weaving together the lives and stories of various individuals into a cohesive social fabric, much like the wool used in the felting process. The symbolic aspect of unity emerges as the craft—using a natural resource common in Kazakhstan—serves as a metaphor for weaving together the lives and stories of various individuals into a cohesive social fabric.
The wool felting masterclass not only provided educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth but also built solidarity through a shared cultural experience. Through collaboration and shared learning, the workshop acted as a unifying platform where socioeconomic differences were bridged, emphasizing communal values and national identity. The event, therefore, embodies both educational and social aims: skill-building for disadvantaged youth and building solidarity through a shared cultural experience.
[1] The significance of such cultural activities in Almaty generally aligns with the promotion of traditional arts to foster community and cultural continuity (Source: Almaty.tv)
1) The wool felting masterclass, as part of the "Start the Year with Good Deeds" event, not only bolstered the children's lifestyle by offering practical skills but also helped them connect with their home-and-garden roots by learning about Kazakh nomadic culture.
2) The apple symbol, woven from natural resources during the workshop, reflected the home-and-garden values of unity and social cohesion, embodying the how the event aimed to bridge socioeconomic gaps and foster a sense of community.
