Selection of an Ideal Family in Astana
The National "Мерейлі Отбасы - 2025" contest, a prestigious family-oriented competition held annually in Kazakhstan, has come to a close, with the Aitkhozhyn family from Astana emerging as the winners. This event, which aims to honour families who embody strong family values, contribute positively to society, and preserve cultural traditions, was held at the State Academic Philharmonic named after E. Rahmadiev in the capital.
### About the Contest
The "Мерейлі Отбасы" contest, translated as "Honoured/Glorious Family," is a nationwide event that supports and encourages strong family values, promotes traditions, and recognises families who serve as role models in their communities. This year, a total of 255 applications were received, setting a record for the capital.
### Selection Process Overview
The contest selection process is conducted at three hierarchical levels: district, city, and republican (national) levels. Families are nominated or apply through local community organisations, schools, social services, or public administration units. A local committee, often including representatives from social protection departments, education, and culture, reviews applications based on criteria such as family achievements, preservation of cultural and national traditions, child upbringing, family unity, and contribution to social and charitable initiatives.
At the city level, the selected families participate in a more detailed evaluation, which can include interviews, home visits, presentations of family history and achievements, and participation in cultural events. The top families from the city are then chosen to represent the city at the republican level.
### The Aitkhozhyn Family's Victory
The Aitkhozhyn family, whose patriarch is a public figure and author of the books "Hajnama. Dolgaya Dорoga v Mekku" and "Sobytiya Yunosti Moyey," has participated in marathons and received silver medals and the title of 'King and Queen of the North' in a series of extreme athletics races. Aynash Aitkhozhina, a member of the family, was also awarded the 'Kumis Alqa' and 'Altyn Alqa' orders.
The city's winning family will now represent Astana in the national "Мерейлі Отбасы - 2025" contest. The event was attended by Deputy Mayor of the capital, Eshet Baiken, and Chingiz Chopanovich, coordinator of projects at the Center for Civil Initiatives, made a statement about the contest.
The main prize and 1 million tenge went to the Aitkhozhyn family, with a total prize fund of the contest amounting to over 3 million tenge. This year, 19 capital families were recognised as the best in the "Мерейлі Отбасы - 2025" contest. The primary goal of the contest is to promote healthy family relationships, strengthen family institutions, and showcase positive examples.
The Aitkhozhyn family, with their lifestyle rooted in strong family values, cultural preservation, and charitable contributions, will now represent Astana in the national "Мерейлі Отбасы - 2025" contest, aiming to showcase healthy family behaviors and serve as role models in home-and-garden settings and relationships within the community, mirroring the family-dynamics that embody the essence of the contest. Their victory highlights the significance of family unity and achievements in family-oriented competitions like this, further exemplifying the impact such events have on society.
