Self-Reliance School: In Almaty, assisting people with disabilities in achieving self-reliance and independence
Unleashing Potential: School of Independent Life Transforms Lives of the Disabled
Embrace the spirit of transformation as participants of the "School of Independent Life" project prove that conquering fear is achievable. This extraordinary project welcomes individuals with disabilities, ready to take on a life-altering challenge. Over a week, 15 courageous individuals not only overcame their internal struggles but also made new friends and acquired invaluable skills to enhance their daily lives—as reported by Almaty.tv.
For nearly a decade, dedicated trainer Tatiana Baklazhanskaya, despite her wheelchair, has been inspiring people with special needs to achieve independence. Within the "School of Independent Life" project, she conducts dynamic workshops and art therapies to empower those with disabilities.
"When individuals with disabilities confine themselves to their homes, they often think, 'I'm the only one like this. I have a disability, I can't do anything.' Our trainings help people shatter their internal barriers, fostering self-confidence and unmasking their latent abilities," shares project trainer, Tatiana Baklazhanskaya.
The week-long program concluded on September 24, with 15 participants completing the "School of Independent Life." During this transformed week, program participants ventured beyond their comfort zones, engaging in dance, singing, cook-offs, and gym exercises.
In this sanctuary, program participants dedicate a significant portion of their time. Posters and signs scattered throughout the room serve as reminders of their mission's objective: a purposeful reason to be there and positive change they aspire to create. One participant's mission, for instance, was to find friends, discover his abilities, and contribute to society.
The "School of Independent Life" is an initiative of the "Shyraq" association, with eight trainers striving to guide participants towards self-dependence.
"Our mantra was, if you aspire to attend this school, we will provide volunteers to assist with tasks you can't manage. However, you should handle what you can. You shouldn't rely on your family or relatives, who may speak for you," emphasizes Lazzat Kaltayeva, chairperson of the "Shyraq" Association of Women with Disabilities.
Last year, this project clinched second place in the republican social projects fair with 200 participants. This victory enabled them to reach more individuals with disabilities in Almaty.
"More than 30 million tenge has been allocated from the budget, with support from the Almaty Akim's office. The funds are used for staff salaries, social taxes, and the purchasing of stationery for service recipients," notes Lazzat Jetibaeva, deputy head of the city's Department of Social Welfare. Over 100 people have graduated from the school since its inception eight years ago. The team plans to conduct four more courses by year-end, challenging each participant to conquer their inner demons. Trainers are scheduled to visit Ust-Kamenogorsk soon.
While specific results on the "School of Independent Life" project in Almaty cannot be found in existing search results, they suggest relevant contexts for similar initiatives. These contexts include:- Educational Ecosystem: Almaty's universities, such as Almaty Management University and Kazakh National Pedagogical University, collaborate on effectual projects addressing social challenges, even though no explicit mention of disability-focused schools appears in the search results.- Charity Foundations: Kazakhstan's charity foundations, like eGov.kz listed entities, support families and children, promote accessible education for marginalized groups, and uphold the quality of life for vulnerable groups, which aligns with the goals a "School of Independent Life" may pursue for people with disabilities.- National Education Priorities: Post-Soviet educational reforms in Kazakhstan prioritize modern curricula and inclusive practices. A project like the "School of Independent Life" could fit within this framework, fostering vocational training or adaptive learning methods.
Typical objectives for "Independent Living" initiatives involve skill development, social integration, and advocacy. Successful projects in similar contexts could increase employability, improve accessibility, and enhance policy frameworks. For accurate details about the "School of Independent Life," additional reports or announcements from Almaty-specific disability organizations would be required.
- Tatiana Baklazhanskaya, despite her own disabilities, motivates individuals with special needs to strive for independence through the "School of Independent Life" project.
- The "School of Independent Life" focuses on helping individuals with disabilities overcome their internal complexes and unlock their hidden abilities.
- During the week-long sessions, participants engage in activities like dance, singing, cook-offs, and gym exercises to foster personal growth and mental health.
- The program's objective is evident throughout the space, with reminders of the purposeful reason for being there and the positive change they aspire to create.
- The goal for many participants is to find friends, discover their abilities, and contribute to society, ultimately promoting health-and-wellness and education-and-self-development.
- The "School of Independent Life" is a project initiated by the "Shyraq" association, with a focus on lifelong learning and promoting independence for people with disabilities.
