Baiterek: The “Tree of Life” for Children with Disabilities

The cotton tree, or Baiterek, was known as “the tree of life” by the ancient Turks. It was seen as a bridge between heaven and earth. Forever strong, this tree now symbolizes Kazakhstan for many; its roots representing the nation’s history and its branches the future. Baiterek is also a public association in Uralsk that is working to build a prosperous future for youth with disabilities.

Baiterek, or the Association of Children with Disabilities, is the first organization in West Kazakhstan to be entirely managed by mothers of children with severe disabilities.   Five mothers at Baiterek have obtained degrees in psychology, exercise and massage therapy, and inclusive education so that they can better serve children attending the program.  For four years, they have provided services at a small center for children with major motor skill disorders and have been able to do so with support from the local legislature. They also organize an annual summer camp for their children.

With financial support from the BOTA Foundation, Baiterek is working on a project to establish a Center for Therapeutic Pedagogies. This project will provide services and trainings to families with children suffering from disabilities, so that they are able to care for them in the home rather than sending them to institutions.

Last autumn, Baiterek worked with the Uralsk Center for Out-of-School Activities to arrange a workshop for parents and social workers on teaching children with special needs. Topics covered arts, games and dance therapies as methods to engage with children with special needs.  Children joyfully played, drew pictures, and made jewelry and origami with the teachers and members of the School of Leaders, or mothers who run these programs. Members of the School of Leaders said they felt no difference between themselves and children with disabilities. “Maybe they're somehow different in their outer appearance, but deep down they are just like us,” one mother said.

Over 1,000 disabled children live in the provincial capital of Uralsk in Western Kazakhstan.  Baiterek is a good example of how local community groups can mobilize to solve problems. Their activities bring parents, local authorities, NGOs and businesses together to find common solutions to socio-economic problems.