We have decided to start this quarterly newsletter to tell you what is happening at our Almaty Center and to involve you as much as possible in our activities.
Paths
Wool Felting Course: A Tradition That Becomes a Concern
For nine years now, a group of teenagers has been learning to work with felt and felted wool at our center—an ancient Kazakh tradition. These teenagers have significant mental or physical disabilities—Down syndrome, autism, and psychiatric difficulties—and for them, this work means much more than just handicrafts. Working with wool is calming, relaxing, and helps reduce anxiety. Step by step, the children master simple yet precise movements, developing fine motor skills and creativity. Not everyone completes all the stages of the process, but it's wonderful to see how each one finds their place and contribution. Today, there are 20 students in the workshop, and their skills are growing: some can already create not only small objects but also entire murals. Some of these works are sold—and perhaps one day, this will become a full-time job for some of them.
Near families with seriously ill or disabled children
MASP also supports families raising children with disabilities or serious illnesses. Our specialists and volunteers accompany them, providing social and psychological support and helping to secure necessary materials and specialized equipment. We believe that every person has dignity, and that these children deserve respect for the value they represent and the life they bring, just as they are. Those who are with them day after day also grow as individuals. When care is accompanied by attention, love, and understanding, these children have the opportunity to live better and longer lives. True care truly does change everything.
Volunteers: A Valuable Resource
MASP volunteers work both in Almaty and Italy, thanks to the Friends of Kazakhstan (Amici del Kazakistan) association. They have more flexibility in their time and involvement than full-time employees, but they approach their work with great seriousness and respect—this is what makes them such a valuable resource. In Almaty, volunteers assist with the center's work with older children, participate in the distribution of products, and maintain relationships with families. Their contribution is quiet, but tangible, every day.
A story
Portrait: Natasha
Natasha has been attending our center for five years. She has a wonderful, close-knit family—her mother, father, younger sister, and grandmother—and grew up in a kind atmosphere, which has helped her greatly in life. She came to us in her final year of studying at a special boarding school in Almaty, taking a sewing course. Since then, she has become much more independent: today, she works in the bakery, baking cookies and bread, sings in the choir every week—an activity she particularly enjoys—attends felting classes, and does gymnastics with a group in the mornings. Most impressive is her ability to live a life full of dignity. She is a very sensitive girl: she knows how to easily and simply resolve tense situations between students or support a teacher in difficult times. She does this delicately, with small, simple gestures, but with genuine empathy. Natasha reminds us every day what it means to truly care for one another.
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