Damelia Kinzhalinova, 49, from Zavodoukovsk
We were born and grew up in Russia, as our ancestors immigrated to Russia and settled in the Tyumen region in the 20’s. So our children were born and grew up here too.
We always wanted our children to live in Kazakhstan, so that they feel freer there. We’re comfortable living in Russia, but constantly feel oursleves as another nation representative, there is always some impaction. Coming to Kazakhstan, I see young people feel completely free living in their Homeland.
Our children and we try to communicate with Kazakhs, children have many Kazakh friends. They appreciate this friendship trying to keep closer to each other. It would be easier for them to live in Kazakhstan. I lived in Kazakhstan for some time in my childhood, I always miss Kazakhstani atmosphere. People in Kazakhstan are kind and open, they’re freer than Kazakhs living in Russia.
I would like my grandchildren to grow up in Kazakhstan, learn the language, culture and feel free in all respects. Walking around Astana and seeing many developing centers, you see perfect conditions for kids’ development.
Our daughter has already moved to Astana, she likes it there. Our son takes it more calmly, he and his wife have many friends in Russia, they work there and don’t think of leaving to Kazakhstan. I hope that someday they’ll live in Astana, so that my husband and I moved to them. Our parents live in Russia, yet we can move to Kazakhstan if kids do.
It's easier to leave while you are young as you can quickly adapt to the new environment and find your place. Kazakhstan is developing and getting more European, which is good for young people. There are many prospects so I want kids to live in a big city, e.g. Astana.
Sholpan Bekbergenova, 56, from Omsk
We’ve been living in the Omsk region since it was formed. I’m bringing up a daughter and, of course, I want her to live in Astana as she would achieve more there. I think Astana has prospects for young people. After all, everyone wants more, wants the best.
My daughter has already made one attempt to move, but she does not speak Kazakh and thinks it will be difficult for her to find a good and promising job. But we both hope that she’ll go to Astana.
Kazakhstan is our Homeland, she will feel easy and free there.
Anara Uspanova, 38, from Omsk
The seventh generation of our family lives in Russia. I and our children were born in Omsk.
Kazakhstan is a rapidly developing country. It’s smaller than Russia, but prospects in Astana are much greater than in Omsk. It’s difficult to be employed in Omsk, but talented and competent people are demanded in Kazakhstan.
I like that young people in Kazakhstan speak their native language well. I dream that my child speaks Kazakh fluently. It's great. I’ve noticed that Kazakhstani youth are more serious about many things such as family and work.
My daughter is eight. It would be great if she moved to Kazakhstan. I would like her to move there after graduating from university and start making a career there. In Russia Kazakhs rarely hold senior positions. I think that there’re more prospects in Kazakhstan in this regard.