In a powerful example of what happens when young people are given the opportunity to lead, the students or ‘Young Eco-Leaders’ of Kerimbay uulu Sarybay Secondary School in Emgek-Talaa village, Naryn district, Kyrgyzstan, have shown their region that a cleaner, healthier future is possible, and it starts in their own village.
With support from Schools2030, young changemakers in the Kyrgyz Republic have deepened their academic knowledge but have also developed critical life skills, leadership, and a commitment to their community. Their project, Young Eco-Leaders: Clean Village – Healthy Future, was recently awarded the Grand Prize in the regional competition People’s Hope – Service of the Future Generation, triumphing over initiatives from 116 schools across Naryn oblast.
Building Skills and Confidence Through Action
The People’s Hope – Service of the Future Generation competition was launched in early 2025 by the Naryn Pedagogical College. Its mission: to unite schools, universities, and local authorities to tackle real community challenges while preparing students for the future. Over 1,740 students and 200 teachers took part, designing and implementing projects spanning environmental protection, health promotion, literacy, and more. Through these projects, students deepened their understanding of core subjects such as sciences and mathematics while addressing real community needs.
For the Young Eco-Leaders, the motivation came from their own observations of the environmental issues facing Emgek-Talaa village. They stepped forward with a vision to improve waste management, recycling, raise ecological awareness, and create greener spaces.
This was no small undertaking. The students presented their plans to the head of the Emgek-Talaa rural district, who, together with the village council deputies, allocated 100,000 soms to bring their ideas to life. Additional support came from the Ak Emgek municipal organisation. The students used these funds to develop and conduct training sessions to raise community awareness on agroforestry as a response to climate change and setting up a “green corner” at their school.
Aliya, one of the student participants, shared how the students are applying what they have learned in real life and proving themselves as true leaders:
“The Schools2030 programme has enhanced my academic knowledge, developed my green skills, and fostered a sense of leadership and responsibility.”
Partnership and Mentorship at Every Step
Throughout the competition, Schools2030’s regional team contributed expertise in teacher-led research, project-based learning, and human-centred design. They presented in webinars, shared best practices, helping to guide teachers and motivate students through teacher-led research. This support proved invaluable to the educators mentoring the Young Eco-Leaders.
Gulzat Isakova, project lead teacher and mentor, reflected on the journey:
“I can confidently say that the Schools2030 programme has enabled our students to fully realise their potential and achieve remarkable victories. Our students demonstrated leadership and initiative by boldly addressing the challenges facing our rural area, working tirelessly, and strengthening their academic skills. The fruit of this hard work is our victory!”
A Grand Prize and a Grand Future
The Young Eco-Leaders from Kerimbay uulu Sarybay Secondary School, were recognised at the Regional Forum on 29 May, where they were presented with the Grand Prize, celebrating their creativity, innovation and determination during the project cycle. They received an interactive whiteboard for their school to enhance learning, and a trip to Issuk-Kul for the student team! These rewards acknowledge not only the students’ hard work but also the vital role of teacher mentorship and community collaboration.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The success of projects like Young Eco-Leaders demonstrates the power of combining academic learning with real-world problem-solving. By engaging students as active citizens, Schools2030 helps nurture a generation ready to lead with empathy, skill, and vision.
This story is more than a prize-winning project, it is a testament to what young people can achieve when they are trusted and supported to lead. In Emgek-Talaa, the next generation is already shaping a cleaner, healthier, and more hopeful future while inspiring others to do the same.
On behalf of the entire Schools2030 community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students, teachers, and partners who made this success possible. The impact of your work will inspire many others, and it is only the beginning.
Learn more about Schools2030’s work in the Kyrgyz Republic.