Madina Abdygaparova’s volunteer journey began more than ten years ago, and during this time she has managed to unite a variety of fields in her work. As a career guidance specialist and a member of the Kazakhstan Association of Career Guidance Specialists, she helps teenagers from orphanages find their path in life. As an ambassador for the Dara charitable foundation, she supports their socialization and education. And as Mrs. Kazakhstan Globe 2024, she uses her public platform to draw attention to topics that usually remain outside the media spotlight. For Madina, these roles are not about loud titles, but about the opportunity to change lives, help children believe in themselves, and reveal their talents.

Madina, what was the moment when you realized you wanted to help teenagers from orphanages find their path in life?

I have been a volunteer for more than ten years, but a real turning point came when I became a mentor in the namesake project of the Dara Foundation. This project helps teenagers adapt to life after leaving the orphanage. I increasingly saw that many of them had no motivation to study, no goals — they were simply drifting. That’s when I understood that my purpose was to help them discover their strengths and talents.

You combine career guidance, charitable work, and public activities. Which of these roles do you prioritize?

For me, in any role, kindness and humanity come first. These are not just qualities — they are the foundation for everything I do. They are what give me the strength to handle so many different responsibilities.

In your work, there must have been stories you will never forget. Could you share the one most important to you?

Every child I meet is unique, and behind every story there is pain. But one story became a turning point for me. A seven‑year‑old girl had lost her father at the age of two, and her mother — who struggled with drug addiction — at five. Her aunt took her into guardianship, received all the benefits, and a year and a half later the child became “inconvenient” to both the aunt and her partner. The girl was simply sent back to the orphanage.

I helped find her a loving family. That was the moment I understood why I live this life — to help children find people who will truly love them.

Your Instagram is more than just a page — it’s a platform for social change. How do you use it to draw attention to the challenges of adapting orphaned children?

Together with the foundation, we look for educational programs and centers that can help children believe in themselves and discover what they want to do. I talk a lot about skills: it’s important that children don’t grow accustomed to living off the state or sponsors, but learn to be independent.

What is the first step, in your opinion, to improving the system of support for orphanage graduates in Kazakhstan?

The first step is early career guidance. The sooner a child understands their abilities and interests, the more confident they will feel in adult life. The second is simple but essential socialization. Many teenagers at 16 don’t know how much a loaf of bread costs, how to buy groceries, or what the average salary is for a working adult. We need to teach them this before they leave the orphanage.

Your journey has been very full. What is the main insight you’ve gained that you would like to share with our readers?

Be kinder to one another and more compassionate. Invest in children’s education and development. There are no “other people’s” children — they are all the future of our nation.