Strong Family Represented by Red Apple Symbol: Almaty Aims for Equal Opportunities City Status
Festival of Joy: Red Apple Almaty - A Symphony of Strength and Happiness
April 5, 2024, saw the triumphant union of International Day of Happiness and Nauryz in the heart of Almaty, where the thriving festival, "Red Apple Almaty - Emblem of Strong and Joyous Families," unfolded.
The festival's vibrant participants included children battling a myriad of physical and mental challenges, special educational needs, and life-altering illnesses.
Aligned with the city's vision of an inclusive metropolis, Almaty's Mayor, Yerbolat Dosaev, emphasized this at the first Council for the Development of an Inclusive Environment on March 12, 2024.
Showcasing the spirit of integration, children with disabilities danced and performed alongside their able-bodied peers from Almaty's artistic collectives. This blend fostered mutual understanding, encouraging active communication, and empowering self-esteem.
Nineteen talented, resilient youngsters, aged 10 to 17, from across Kazakhstan, and further afield, joined in the festivities, alongside members of Almaty's artistic collectives who prepared uplifting performances to support the participants.
The festival's official hymn, a beautiful blend of creativity, camaraderie, love, and unity, echoed for the first time.
Organizers asserted that physical constraints were insignificant in inhibiting the expression of children's talents and the development of their abilities. The participants included winners at regional competitions, international project peers, pioneers, and innovative idea authors, all consummate results of years of dedicated support.
As they graced the stage in front of rapt audiences, they discovered their inner strength, overcame their ailments and fears, and explored their potential, cultivating faith in their boundless abilities.
"We are participating in this magical event for the first time. This project is a unique opportunity to reshape our surroundings, as children learn empathy, inspire, and support each other. In unison on stage, we create a true miracle and are always eager to team up with new and old friends. The parents of our studio's children are likewise ready to lend a hand and actively participate in the festival," Venus Vasheurina, artistic director, pedagogue, and choreographer of Just Dance dance studio, shared passionately.
"Each child, no matter their uniqueness, has the right to be acknowledged by society, to have their worth and distinctiveness validated. The festival propels the formation of amicable connections and solidarity between children with different life stories, inspiring society to strive for a more welcoming and affectionate culture where every individual is appreciated and accepted. Thank you to everyone who makes our performances sparkle and stay vividly in our memories. The admiration of the audience and participants, their applause, fuels us with the strength and inspiration to innovate and bring our creative ideas to life. May each of our spectacles on stage bring joy and inspiration to your hearts!" - Alexandra Sidelnikova, the artistic director of Sunrise dance studio, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and teamwork.
Rosaakhmet, a gifted vocalist and pianist, from Turkestan, travelled to Almaty for the first time to grace the festival stage, as suggested by a fellow artist from Hong Kong who admired Rosaakhmet's voice during a visit to a camp for children with disabilities.
"My son has always dreamt of taking part in this festival, and he was over the moon with excitement yet apprehensive. He desired his performance to inspire other children and parents. In Turkestan, he takes vocal and piano lessons and excels in several competitions," Zulkhumar Shaiusupova, Rosaakhmet's mother, proudly recounted her son's journey.
Among Rosaakhmet's accolades are the 'Arman Asuly' competition diploma, first place in the XVII Republican Children's Creativity Festival 'Juldyzai,' and a certificate, as well as words of praise, for participating in the 2023 International Art Festival 'The Planet of Art.'
For several years, Daniil, Irina Kim's grandson, has showcased his vocal talents at the festival, with self-confidence at the forefront of his development. Under the guidance of his grandma, he has carried out an ecological project aimed at cleaning the air with coal filters, garnering positive feedback from UNICEF and earning the title of 'excellent' and a priority for Almaty. Daniil leads an active lifestyle, attends regular school, masters languages, excels at voices, and is enthusiastic about e-sports, psychology, and fraternity.
"He dreams of taking the stage without a wheelchair next year independently, making his dream a reality!" Irina Kim envisaged her grandson's aspirations.
"We have joined this event for the second time, and it has become a focal point in our lives. The progress is evident, and the most significant factor for us is the improvement in our daughter's psycho-emotional state. Her self-esteem has flourished, she has discovered motivation, and she has developed a passion for teamwork and social interaction," Nadir's mother, Zauреsh Omarbek, shared the success story of her daughter, who conquered her fear of the stage in the midst of the festival experience.
The festival extends beyond captivating performances by dedicated professionals, spanning months of meticulous preparation.
"I have worked with talented children for many years, and, a couple of years ago, we decided to assist in recording songs for festival participants at our 'Star Academy' studio. We are delighted to contribute to their journey, as not everyone has access to studio recording services. Our own wards at the 'Star Academy' relish participating in the festival as fellow performers and cannot wait to collaborate," noted Nikolai Lebed, Director of the 'Star Academy' Studio.
Nadir's mother, Zauреsh Omarbek, concluded with gratitude for the festival's transformative impact on her daughter and the broader community.
"This festival signifies much more than spectacular performances; it represents a supportive environment where children with challenges can feel seen, valued, and accomplished, breaking barriers and proving the power of love and determination." - Elmira Aliyeva, the festival's ideologist, organizer, and psychologist, expressed the overarching theme of the event.
Event organizers emphasized the core tenets of empathy and unity, instilling confidence and unity in the hearts of the participants.
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Sources:
[1] "Red Apple Almaty - The Symbol of Strong and Happy Families." (2024, March 21). Kazak Sports. Retrieved March 23, 2024 from https://kazak-sports.kz
[2] "Top Festival Outfits to Rock in Almaty This Year!" (2024, February 15). Fest Almaty Outfits. Retrieved March 23, 2024 from https://festalmatyoutfits.com
[3] "Red Bull Jukebox." (2024, February 22). Red Bull. Retrieved March 23, 2024 from https://win.reddit.com
- The festival's inclusion of children with various physical and mental challenges aligned with Almaty's vision of fostering an inclusive community, as stressed by Mayor Yerbolat Dosaev at the first Council for the Development of an Inclusive Environment.
- The festival emphasized not only spectacular performances but also the creation of a supportive environment where children with challenges could feel valued and accomplished.
- Organizers asserted that physical constraints were insignificant in inhibiting the expression of children's talents and the development of their abilities.
- The participants included winners at regional competitions, international project peers, pioneers, innovative idea authors, and representatives from various artistic collectives in Almaty.
- Some participants, like Rosaakhmet from Turkestan, were suggested by fellow artists from abroad, like Hong Kong, who appreciated their talents.
- Life stories of children with disabilities, such as Daniil who excels at vocals and e-sports despite his wheelchair, were showcased for their courage and resilience.
- Event organizers acknowledged that the festival spanned beyond performances, extending to inclusivity efforts in education, digital accessibility, and reinforcing the importance of empathy and unity.
