The British Council’s ‘Next Generation’ research series aims to understand the needs, potential, and aspirations of young people globally.
Next Generation Kazakhstan is a research study which provides an understanding of young people’s perceptions, aspirations, priorities and key needs in Kazakhstan today. This will support the British Council’s ability to understand, develop and advocate youth-based interventions across the Education and Creative sectors and within policymaking circles with partners and stakeholders. The target age group for the research was 18 – 35 years old.
The key themes of the research report are young people, their identity, values, education, skills, employment, local and global challenges and youth voice. There is also a focus on the role of digital, technology and social media in the lives of young Kazakhstanis.
The research comes at a significant moment, as Kazakhstan moves beyond its first generation of independence. This timing provides a unique opportunity to hear from young people who have grown up entirely in an independent Kazakhstan and gain insights into their views and vision for the future.
KEY FINDINGS
- Kazakhstan's education sector is undergoing significant transformation, with young people's experiences reflecting both considerable progress and some challenges.
- The research highlights variations in employment experiences, based on age, gender, and location, that could be addressed by local and targeted policy measures.
- Political and civic engagement among young Kazakhstanis are nuanced, with traditional participation relatively modest, but emerging forms of digital and community engagement showing promise.
- Young Kazakhstanis have clear aspirations for their country's development, balancing optimism with practical concerns.
- Young people in Kazakhstan are connected to their culture and forward-looking. They value their identity while also demonstrating an openness to and an interest in the wider world.
Through this Next Generation study, young people in Kazakhstan have demonstrated a clear desire to engage and to shape their country’s future.