Kazakhmys Corporation and the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan recently announced the winners of the Balausa competition to select the best literary work in the Kazakh language for children of preschool age.
Two-hundred-fifty works from 210 participants were received for the competition. The jury consisted of famous children’s writers YeskenYelubai, Sultan Kaliyev, BeibitSarybay as well as representatives of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan and Kazakhmys Corporation.
“This year, more works than in 2014 were submitted to the competition. We are pleased that with the growing number of participants the quality of works increases. This year, students and schoolchildren took part in the competition on a par with well-known writers. This indicates the growing popularity of the contest. The jury hasdone a great and responsible [job].Wetried to select the most memorable works,” said Yelubai, chairman of the jury and famous children’s author.
The Grand Prix of the contest was awarded to Serіkbai Ospanuly for the poem “Bes sausaqqa buiryq.” First place was taken by Tolymbek Abdіraiym for his story “Kaishy-oiynshy kemes.” Second place was shared by Toleubai Yermekbayev for his collection of poems “Balapan” and poet Kadirbek Kunypiyauly. Third place was awarded to three participants – Sabit Duisenbiyev with his story “Almatynyn aporty,” Shaken Kulisbaiuly for his story “Kupiya” and Akylbek Kozhauly for “Qazaqpyn.”
The authors of the best works were awarded cash prizes and their stories will be published in national publications.
“We hope that the competition will attract public interest to children’s literature and will make a significant contribution to the development of national culture and the education of future generations and the further development of the Kazakh language. I am sure that the interest of writers, students and professors and creative Kazakhs gives us a reason to continue the tradition in the coming years,” said Askar Matkenov, vice-president of a subsidiary of the Kazakhmys Corporation.
The first contest of children’s works in the official language was launched on April 2, 2012 on International Children’s Book Day. The main purpose of the contest is to support the authors of children’s works and to educate children in patriotism, curiosity, a love of reading, the native language and the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan.
