About the Fund
The Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan (YISK) promotes civic engagement among Kazakhstani youth through education, the expansion of information exchange, and cooperation between young citizens and youth organizations, as well as by involving them in socially beneficial activities.
Figures of the Year
85%
increase in website impressions
Over 120
articles published on the website and social media
website visitors
985 000
11
projects in 17 villages and 11 cities
Among them: 8 cities and 14 villages in Kazakhstan
3 countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
3 countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Подробнее
YISK launched the youth media platform Youth.kz in June 2023, and by the end of 2024, the number of visitors to our website had grown to nearly 1 million. On the platform, we write about politics and human rights, discuss social trends, explore solutions to issues affecting young people, and curate internships and job opportunities in impactful organizations.
Our journalists are students, young professionals, and emerging experts — just like our readers. Together with them, we explore our rights and talk about the issues that truly matter.
Youth.kz
Media
History is [not] silent
In 2024, the “History is [Not] Silent” team produced 22 episodes on Kazakhstan’s recent history. This year’s key themes included decolonization, the formation of an independent Kazakhstan, and the political changes that have taken place over the past 30 years.
Guests of the program included human rights defender Yevgeny Zhovtis, KarSTU associate professor Aynash Mustoyapova, and journalists Nazgul Kozhabek, Sergey Duvanov, Nazira Darimbet, among other prominent experts.
Guests of the program included human rights defender Yevgeny Zhovtis, KarSTU associate professor Aynash Mustoyapova, and journalists Nazgul Kozhabek, Sergey Duvanov, Nazira Darimbet, among other prominent experts.
Top-5 most popular issues
Ainash Mustapova
"The government is still afraid even of the thought that we were a colony"
"The government is still afraid even of the thought that we were a colony"
View Count
Issue
Rysbek Sarsenbayev and Marzhan Aspandiyarova: The story of opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbayev
Bakhyt Tumenova: The country's future depends on two huge states
Zauresh Battalova: If women and young people do not enter politics, there will be no changes in the country
Dos Kochim: It's not enough to be on the phone to fight the system
10 052
4 823
1 909
1 272
1 212
Most Popular on Our TikTok
Viktor Kovtunovsky on why Nazarbayev left
Yuri Gusakov on discrimination based on religion
Marzhan Aspandiyarova on the need for an open investigation
Ainash Mustapova on Kazakhs in Tsarist Russia
Asylbek Kozhakhmetov on whether Kazakhstanis are happy
85 906
71 349
51 446
45 398
42 619
"Deal with it!"
On the YISK YouTube channel, we also launched the "Deal with it!" project: this is a series of live broadcasts dedicated to disinformation and propaganda in the CIS. Guests of our broadcasts included journalists and fact-checkers such as Pavel Bannikov, Asel Sooronbayeva, Yesengul Kapkyzy, and others. The programs address disinformation in areas such as health, finance, politics, and the media landscape more broadly.
Kapovna Esengul
about fakes aimed at the Kazakh-speaking audience
about fakes aimed at the Kazakh-speaking audience
Vladimir Thorik
on investigative journalism
on investigative journalism
Asel Sooronbayeva on disinformation in Kyrgyzstan
PROJECTS
League of Young Voters:
The project has been running during every election since 1999. Here we teach young people electoral literacy, election observation, and protect the rights of young people during the voting process.
In 2024, we observed the referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant. The accreditation was delayed by the CEC (Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan), and although the deadline for its issuance expired shortly before election day, the document was received at the last moment – on Saturday, on the eve of the vote. Despite this, YISK deployed 50 observers at polling stations in 5 cities on election day.
Over the course of the observation, more than 50 violations were recorded. For example, in Almaty, two observers were removed from polling stations: at station 55, for documenting a group of students voting without absentee certificates, and at station 237, for accidentally turning off a computer. In the second half of the day, pre-signed ballots were discovered (station 64), an observer’s movement was restricted, and a copy of the vote count protocol was not issued (station 273).
In 2024, we observed the referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant. The accreditation was delayed by the CEC (Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan), and although the deadline for its issuance expired shortly before election day, the document was received at the last moment – on Saturday, on the eve of the vote. Despite this, YISK deployed 50 observers at polling stations in 5 cities on election day.
Over the course of the observation, more than 50 violations were recorded. For example, in Almaty, two observers were removed from polling stations: at station 55, for documenting a group of students voting without absentee certificates, and at station 237, for accidentally turning off a computer. In the second half of the day, pre-signed ballots were discovered (station 64), an observer’s movement was restricted, and a copy of the vote count protocol was not issued (station 273).
Подробнее
Detentions, bans, and fines. How was the vote on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan
An observer of the League of Young Voters was taken to the police in Almaty
The YISK observer in Almaty was taken to the police
The referendum on nuclear power plants. Online
The School of Civic Education is a platform that provides young people with a series of lectures and master classes with famous Kazakhstani politicians, political scientists, journalists, economists, cultural and educational figures. Here we analyze public policy and basic human rights.
In 2024, YISK held two seasons of the School of Civic Education – in Kazakh and Russian, in spring and autumn. 92 participants went through the school: 35 in Kazakh and 57 in Russian. Across both sessions, the School delivered 43 hours of lectures with 29 guest speakers engaging with youth.
The program covered topics such as human rights and freedoms, disinformation and propaganda, the judicial system, business and politics, feminism and traditions, elections, and public tax spending.
In 2024, YISK held two seasons of the School of Civic Education – in Kazakh and Russian, in spring and autumn. 92 participants went through the school: 35 in Kazakh and 57 in Russian. Across both sessions, the School delivered 43 hours of lectures with 29 guest speakers engaging with youth.
The program covered topics such as human rights and freedoms, disinformation and propaganda, the judicial system, business and politics, feminism and traditions, elections, and public tax spending.
The School of Civic Education
School of Human Rights
The School of Human Rights educates young human rights defenders in Kazakhstan. Participants gain basic knowledge and learn how to defend human rights through advocacy programs.
In 2024, YISK conducted 11 Introductory Human Rights Seminars across 7 cities: Astana, Shymkent, Semey, Aktobe, Oskemen, Petropavl, and Kyzylorda, training a total of 180 participants. Among them, 18 participants advanced to the Basic Course, where they studied international human rights protection standards in greater depth. As a result of the program, two graduates received grants to implement their own initiatives — focusing on the protection of labor rights and trade unions, as well as the right to non-discrimination and women’s rights.
In 2024, YISK conducted 11 Introductory Human Rights Seminars across 7 cities: Astana, Shymkent, Semey, Aktobe, Oskemen, Petropavl, and Kyzylorda, training a total of 180 participants. Among them, 18 participants advanced to the Basic Course, where they studied international human rights protection standards in greater depth. As a result of the program, two graduates received grants to implement their own initiatives — focusing on the protection of labor rights and trade unions, as well as the right to non-discrimination and women’s rights.
Akerke Amanzholova: The exhibition "NonProvocateur”
Ilyas Beysenbai: solidarity of trade unions
The project aims to raise awareness about sexualized violence against minors and draw public attention to the inaction and concealment of such cases by authorities. The project is planned as an art exhibition featuring anonymous stories from individuals who experienced sexual abuse during childhood.
The project supports independent trade unions in Kazakhstan and advocates for workers’ rights to freedom of association and the establishment of autonomous unions. It plans to provide legal assistance to workers in forming unions and defending their rights in court. Through social media, the project will raise awareness about labor rights, highlight case studies, and publish educational content.
Projects of the participants:
Central Asian School of Human Rights
In 2024, YISK hosted for the first time a Human Rights School for participants from Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It was attended by 19 people – 6 Kazakhstanis and 13 Uzbeks.
Dayana Khalikova: Young Vision Uzbekistan
Siverina Davranova and Emilia Ponomareva: “The Intern's Dilemma”
The project is aimed at increasing the level of autonomy of student councils in Tashkent universities, developing leadership skills and promoting student initiatives. The project includes a study of current successful student government practices, interviews with student council leaders, the launch of an educational platform on social media, and training for aspiring and emerging leaders, which will result in new initiatives by student associations.
From June 17 to 26, 2024, Shokhista Kayumova, a participant of the Human Rights School, completed an internship at YISK in Almaty. The internship focused on the topic of inclusion in universities. Shokhista became acquainted with the infrastructure and administration of Narxoz University and AlmaU, explored inclusive practices, and exchanged experiences with local NGOs and government organizations working in this field.
Shokhista Kayumova: Internship on the Inclusion in Universities
The project aims to raise students' awareness of labor rights and eliminate the practice of unpaid internships in Uzbekistan. With the help of an acting performance, an interactive presentation and familiarization with legislative norms, the project was supposed to draw attention to the problem of exploitation of students in the workplace.
Projects of the participants:
ZhasCamp Central Asia
ZhasCamp is a youth [non]conference dedicated to youth social initiatives, which aims to involve young people in social activism, networking and dissemination of best social development practices.
In 2024, ZhasCamp united 3 Central Asian countries for the first time — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The topics of the sessions were: human rights, migration, decolonization, entrepreneurship, journalism as a way to solve problems, and many others.
Over 900 applications were submitted for participation, from which we selected 160 individuals: 100 participants from across Kazakhstan, 25 from Kyrgyzstan, and 35 from Uzbekistan.
In 2024, ZhasCamp united 3 Central Asian countries for the first time — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The topics of the sessions were: human rights, migration, decolonization, entrepreneurship, journalism as a way to solve problems, and many others.
Over 900 applications were submitted for participation, from which we selected 160 individuals: 100 participants from across Kazakhstan, 25 from Kyrgyzstan, and 35 from Uzbekistan.
Research: “The Impact of Disinformation on Societies in Central Asia”
In 2024, YISK conducted the second stage of the sociological study "The Impact of disinformation on societies in Central Asia."
The qualitative research covers three countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It focuses on key areas such as youth perception of disinformation, the impact of disinformation on healthcare, and targeted information campaigns related to weapons of mass destruction. A total of 60 in-depth interviews and 20 focus groups were conducted in three countries.
Preliminary findings and abstracts of the study were presented at “The 1st Eastern Europe and Central Asia Scientific Symposium Applied Epidemiology 2024,” which was organized by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan and ICAP at Columbia University on September 10-12, 2024 at the Rahat Palace Hotel. in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
On October 22, 2024, a dedicated presentation of the research results titled “The Impact of Disinformation on Societies in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan” was held in Almaty for Kazakhstani stakeholders. More than 200 experts from across the CIS region reviewed and discussed the outcomes.
Also, based on the results of these sessions, recommendations on combating misinformation were drawn up for the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The qualitative research covers three countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It focuses on key areas such as youth perception of disinformation, the impact of disinformation on healthcare, and targeted information campaigns related to weapons of mass destruction. A total of 60 in-depth interviews and 20 focus groups were conducted in three countries.
Preliminary findings and abstracts of the study were presented at “The 1st Eastern Europe and Central Asia Scientific Symposium Applied Epidemiology 2024,” which was organized by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan and ICAP at Columbia University on September 10-12, 2024 at the Rahat Palace Hotel. in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
On October 22, 2024, a dedicated presentation of the research results titled “The Impact of Disinformation on Societies in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan” was held in Almaty for Kazakhstani stakeholders. More than 200 experts from across the CIS region reviewed and discussed the outcomes.
Also, based on the results of these sessions, recommendations on combating misinformation were drawn up for the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Trainings on Disinformation
In 2024, the Youth Information Service of Kazakhstan (YISK) conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) on disinformation for young activists from Uzbekistan, which resulted in the formation of a group of trainers from Uzbekistan with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct fact-checking and disinformation prevention training in their regions.
Pavel Bannikov, former editor-in-chief of Factcheck.kz, now a fact checker, trainer, OSINT specialist, and Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, editor-in-chief Factchecknet.uz became fact-checkers.
Pavel Bannikov, former editor-in-chief of Factcheck.kz, now a fact checker, trainer, OSINT specialist, and Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, editor-in-chief Factchecknet.uz became fact-checkers.
responses
After the training of the new team of trainers, YISK continued to conduct training for young people on the prevention of disinformation: in Kazakhstan, 10 cities and 14 villages were covered, where 1,182 young people were trained in fact-checking. In Uzbekistan, 3 cities are covered and 215 young people are trained.
YISK also developed a set of multilingual checklists in Russian, Kazakh, and Uzbek, which are provided to participants after the training sessions.
Instruction: How to Verify Text, Photos, and Videos?
Digital Security Check-list
Guide on How to Recognize Disinformation from Artificial Intelligence
Check sheets
Feedback:
Volunteer Service
This year, we have also revived a network of volunteers who are involved in various YISK human rights activities. We received applications from 72 individuals, of whom 27 were selected after a competitive screening process that prioritized alignment with YISK’s values.
In December 2024, an initial selection of 12 volunteers was conducted, as well as a one-day training for them, where they were taught the basic concept of human rights.
In December 2024, an initial selection of 12 volunteers was conducted, as well as a one-day training for them, where they were taught the basic concept of human rights.
Kazakhstan Internship Program
“The Kazakhstan Internship Program” is a paid professional internship for young people in leading non-profit organizations, independent media and socially responsible business companies in any city of Kazakhstan.
In 2024, 25 young people from Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Kyzylorda, Aktobe and Semey successfully completed internships in 13 different organizations. Among the host organizations were: the online magazine Vlast, the “Feminita” initiative, the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights, “the Legal Media Center,” Urban Forum, Tanda Bilim, the Center for Legal Policy Research, Factcheck, the International Foundation for the Protection of Freedom of Speech "Adil soz", the Foundation for the Development of Parliamentarism in Kazakhstan, Manshuq media, The rights of a special child, The Freedom of People.
Among the 25 young people who completed the internship, 4 were hired, and 13 continue to cooperate with organizations on a part-time or volunteer basis.
In 2024, 25 young people from Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Kyzylorda, Aktobe and Semey successfully completed internships in 13 different organizations. Among the host organizations were: the online magazine Vlast, the “Feminita” initiative, the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights, “the Legal Media Center,” Urban Forum, Tanda Bilim, the Center for Legal Policy Research, Factcheck, the International Foundation for the Protection of Freedom of Speech "Adil soz", the Foundation for the Development of Parliamentarism in Kazakhstan, Manshuq media, The rights of a special child, The Freedom of People.
Among the 25 young people who completed the internship, 4 were hired, and 13 continue to cooperate with organizations on a part-time or volunteer basis.
Feedback
Human Rights Fest
Human Rights Fest – traditional festival YISK in honor of the Day of Human Rights. This year the festival was in Almaty from the 7th to the 10th of December and gathered more than 150 participants. At part of the festival we organized several events dedicated to the various human rights:
- Human Rights Bar: we recalled the main political events of the year and discussed them in Stand-UP performances and organized art installations and art performances on the topic of domestic violence.
- Letter campaign in support of Marat Zhylanbayev: as part of the festival, we have collected 14 letters from people who want to express their support for activists defending our common rights. This is our way of expressing support for political prisoners.
- Theatrical performances "Your choice" and "I have a right": we discussed why civil rights are not only about entitlements, but also about responsibilities.
- We learned more about the right to housing during a special workshop held in partnership with Krisha.kz and how to protect your labor rights in the workplace.
- Two self-defense workshops were held, focusing on the right to personal safety and how to physically protect oneself when that right is threatened.
TRIPS
Turkey: “Grow2Gather”
USA: International Visitors Leadership Program
Sukhrab Turdiev, Project Coordinator, visited Turkey to participate in the “Grow2Gather” from the Prague Civic Center, where ideas and practices for the promotion and protection of human rights in Eastern Europe and Central Asia were discussed. The participants were activists and human rights defenders from countries such as Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Ukraine, and Czechia. The topics included programs for the development of long-term sustainable leadership, civic leadership in times of pressure and increased danger, as well as in repressive conditions, lessons learned from protests and attempts to create movements.
The director of the Kyzylorda Branch, Talgat Mendibai, traveled to the United States during the presidential elections for the “NGO Management” module: the trip was dedicated to the electoral process in this country and meeting with representatives of civil society.
As part of the program, participants visited cities such as Washington, Cleveland, Des Moines, Seattle and Dallas. In each city, NGO representatives talked about their projects and their implementation. In addition to visiting the sights, there were informative meetings with professors in the field of political science who explained the US political system. Major organizations such as “AmeriCorp,” the “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” and the “Eurasia Foundation” presented their work on volunteerism, grants, and sponsorship.
As part of the program, participants visited cities such as Washington, Cleveland, Des Moines, Seattle and Dallas. In each city, NGO representatives talked about their projects and their implementation. In addition to visiting the sights, there were informative meetings with professors in the field of political science who explained the US political system. Major organizations such as “AmeriCorp,” the “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” and the “Eurasia Foundation” presented their work on volunteerism, grants, and sponsorship.
Partners and gratitude
We are deeply grateful for your support:
National Endowment for Democracy,
Sigrid Rausing Trust,
Freedom House Kazakhstan,
To the Polish Helsinki Foundation
Amnesty International,
National Democratic Institute,
The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia,
The U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan,
US Department of State,
The American Corner,
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
ICAP at Columbia University
Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law,
Legal Media Center,
Feminita,
Tanda Bilim,
Urban Forum,
Vlast.kz,
Alma University,
Narxoz University,
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University,
Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
To the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
The Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
National Endowment for Democracy,
Sigrid Rausing Trust,
Freedom House Kazakhstan,
To the Polish Helsinki Foundation
Amnesty International,
National Democratic Institute,
The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia,
The U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan,
US Department of State,
The American Corner,
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
ICAP at Columbia University
Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law,
Legal Media Center,
Feminita,
Tanda Bilim,
Urban Forum,
Vlast.kz,
Alma University,
Narxoz University,
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University,
Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
To the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
The Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
