Recently, Sun Study Children’s Development Center hosted a special meeting with renowned economist, journalist, and Member of the Mazhilis of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Daulet Mukaev. Held in an open and informal format, the event provided a valuable opportunity for both parents and students to ask questions on a variety of topics and gain insightful knowledge.
Daulet Mukaev began the meeting by reflecting on his childhood.
“As children, we tend to ask many questions. I was also curious and eager to learn about the world around me. My mother always took the time to answer each of my questions without ever turning me away. Today, when kids ask too many questions, we often respond with ‘Be quiet’—and that’s not right. As a result, we are raising a generation with limited imagination,” he said. “In the past, elders would regularly tell stories to children, which helped develop creativity. Now, fewer people do that. Imagination is strongest in childhood but tends to diminish as we grow older. For example, when Elon Musk was a child and said, ‘I will move people to Mars,’ his mother supported him, saying, ‘Yes, son, you can do it.’ And now he has created world-changing companies. Today’s advanced technologies are the result of yesterday’s dreams.”
Mr. Mukaev also shared advice for young children.
“How can a child who hasn’t even started school serve society?” he asked rhetorically. “Something as simple as picking up litter is an act of service. Helping one’s parents at home is also a beautiful expression of patriotism and love for one’s nation,” he said, offering words of wisdom and encouragement.
The event also featured performances by students of the center. For instance, Nurassyl Nauryzbai, a 7th-grade student, recited his own poetry and played traditional Kazakh music. One of the center’s parents, Moldir Tolegenkyzy, impressed the audience with her presentation of original, culturally themed educational tools designed for children.
Inspired by the vision of Alash figure Sultanmakhmut Toraigyrov, who once said, “I will climb into the dark Kazakh sky and become the sun,” the center now serves over 120 children. It offers more than ten different clubs focusing on arts, academics, and sports. Daulet Mukaev praised the center’s work highly and offered his best wishes for its continued success.
We believe this memorable encounter will remain a bright and lasting moment in the memories of the students.
