UNICEF has launched a new digital platform aimed at strengthening youth volunteer engagement across Kazakhstan during the International Year of Volunteers.
The platform, called UNICEF Zhastary, is designed for young people aged 16 to 35 and seeks to simplify participation in children’s rights and sustainable development initiatives nationwide.
One platform for learning and action
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According to UNICEF Kazakhstan, the platform combines online training, leadership development and community participation within a single digital space.
From this year, volunteers will have access to online courses covering children’s rights, violence prevention, mental health, climate literacy, inclusion and digital safety. The system also includes an application process, automated participation tracking and digital profiles that record individual achievements.
A gamification feature allows participants’ avatars to evolve from a child to a superhero as they complete tasks and earn points.
Expanding youth impact nationwide
Kazakhstan’s UNICEF volunteer movement already includes more than 10,000 participants who have implemented environmental and social projects, including collecting 500 tonnes of waste and planting over 20,000 trees.
IT company Documentolog developed the platform on a pro bono basis. UNICEF Representative Rashed Mustafa Sarwar said the initiative ensures equal participation opportunities for youth from all regions while fostering leadership skills.
Volunteer recruitment will take place four times a year — in February, April, July and October — with the platform open to all interested young people.