Kazakhstan is a country in the middle of Eurasia, bordering Russia and China. It is the ninth biggest country in the world and 16.2 million people live there. The landscape of Kazakhstan is varied, ranging from lowlands to hilly plateaus and plains, to deserts and mountains.

Kazakhstan’s varied landscape supports lots of wildlife. The rare saiga antelope lives on the steppe, as do roe deer, wolves, and badgers. In the hills are brown bears, wolves, and the endangered and shy snow leopard.

The people of Kazakhstan are called Kazakhs and the language they speak is Kazakh. Most also speak Russian. About 70% of Kazakhs are Muslim and just under 2% are Catholic. Some Kazakh Catholic churches have started Holy Childhood (Mission Together) clubs for children in the area. At these clubs, children meet to learn more about Jesus, take part in activities and games, and pray for themselves and for children around the world.

Sadly, there are some children in Khazakhstan who for different reasons live in care homes run by Catholic parishes. These children need lots of support and Mission Together helps to provide this. The film below was sent to us by the parish priest. Listen to the children sing – ‘Let us lift up our hearts!’