On December 20, the university atrium hosted the annual New Year’s celebration for children under the care of “I Am With You”, the first and only children’s hospice in Kazakhstan.
This warm and meaningful event has become a cherished tradition, with the university actively supporting it for more than 10 years by annually organizing a New Year gift collection for children.
The “I Am With You” children’s hospice was founded 20 years ago by Nagima Jumashovna Plokhikh, Director and Founder of the Healthy Asia Foundation – a person who has dedicated her life to helping children with severe oncological and chronic illnesses. Since its establishment, the hospice has become a space of care, support, and human warmth for hundreds of families.
The event also included a ceremonial segment with the presentation of the “Generous Heart” appreciation awards, recognizing contributions, compassion, and continuous support of the hospice’s initiatives. Representing the university, the awards were presented to AlmaU President A. B. Kozhakhmetov and Building Administrator K. S. Khomenko.
New Year gifts held a special place in the celebration: around 100 children received gift sets, collected through the joint efforts of the AlmaU community. Students, alumni, faculty members, and university staff took part in the charity drive, united by a shared goal – to give children joy, attention, and a true sense of celebration.
This New Year’s celebration is more than just an event; it reflects the university’s enduring values -social responsibility and genuine care. Supporting the “I Am With You” hospice is a contribution to a culture of compassion that begins with concrete actions and lives on in people’s hearts.