Almaty Honors Winners of the “Young Writer of Almaty – 2026” City Competition

Today, a solemn award ceremony for the winners of the city competition “Young Writer of Almaty – 2026” was held at the A.P. Chekhov Central City Library in Almaty.

The competition was organized in honor of the 90th anniversary of the prominent statesman, public figure, and poet Olzhas Suleimenov, as well as within the framework of the national projects “Reading Nation” and “Children of Kazakhstan”. This initiative has become an important cultural platform aimed at fostering young people’s interest in literature and unlocking their creative potential.

This year, 171 school students aged 14 to 17 participated in the competition, demonstrating their unique perspectives on literature, depth of thought, and creative exploration.

During the ceremony, congratulatory speeches were delivered by distinguished representatives of the literary and cultural community, including Mereke Kulkenov, Chairman of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan; Madi Nusipbayev, President of the “Örken” Public Foundation for the Support of Children’s Literature; Igor Krupko, Deputy Director of the International Center for the Rapprochement of Cultures under the auspices of UNESCO; poet, writer, translator, and editor Farkhat Tamendarov; and other prominent cultural figures.

Among the entries in the Kazakh language, the best work was recognized as that of Kairat Abdrakhman, an 11th-grade student from School-Gymnasium No. 174. In the Russian-language category, the highest honor went to Alina Kassenova, a 10th-grade student from Lyceum School No. 95.

The winners received cash certificates and a collection of poems by Olzhas Suleimenov. In addition, they earned the opportunity to participate in the national stage of the competition. All participants and their mentors were awarded certificates of appreciation.

Madi Nusipbayev, President of the “Örken” Public Foundation and one of the competition’s organizers, noted:

“This competition creates opportunities for young authors to unlock their creative potential and nurtures their interest in literature. Each participant’s work is the result of dedication and thoughtful exploration. I am confident that initiatives like this help shape a new generation of young writers”.

The competition has become a significant platform for discovering young literary talents, strengthening their interest in literature, and promoting national spiritual values. The award ceremony not only celebrated the participants’ achievements but also highlighted their first confident steps into the world of literature.