Heart to Heart: Leadership Academy Participants Visit the Ust-Kamenogorsk Children’s Center for Special Social Services

As part of the International Leadership Academy, organized by Kazakh-American Free University in cooperation with Co-Serve International (Portland, Oregon, USA), on June 3, 2025, participants visited the Ust-Kamenogorsk Children’s Center for Special Social Services.

During the visit, the participants had the opportunity to meet with the center’s director, Olga Batueva, as well as with the teaching staff and personnel. Olga is a long-time partner of KAFU and the mother of one of the university’s former leadership program graduates.

The guests were especially impressed by the atmosphere of kindness, respect, and support that fills the center. In addition to meeting with the leadership and staff, the participants were able to interact and play with the children. This heartfelt connection left a deep impression on everyone: the children, open, sincere, and warm-hearted, eagerly welcomed the attention and responded with genuine joy.

Every action by the staff at the center is more than just duty — it is an expression of true care and love. The participants particularly noted that the people working here are truly called to this mission: educators and specialists pour their hearts into the development of each child, celebrating even the smallest successes.

The Ust-Kamenogorsk Children’s Center for Special Social Services stood out as a vivid example of servant leadership — a leadership grounded in belief in people, teamwork, deep respect, and a desire to make the world a kinder place. This visit served as an inspiring reminder of the power of compassion, acceptance, and dedication to one’s work.