From September 19–22, Larisa Leonidovna Kotelnikova, head of the Social Volunteer Center «Dos.kz» and the Regional Russian Center NGO, conducted an exchange visit and visited:

East Kazakhstan Region, Ust-Kamenogorsk

• Social Corporate Fund «Zubr»
• Private Enterprise «Trinta»
• Local ethnocultural public association «East Kazakhstan Russian Cultural Center»

Objectives of the visit:

1. Strategic planning for organizational development
2. Attracting material and non-material resources
3. Development of ethno-volunteering within the ECO framework
4. Organizing museum work in the ethno-village at ECO
5. Running a handicraft studio at ECO
6. Organizing events based on the traditions and rituals of Kazakhstan’s ethnic groups

Significance:
Experience exchange between ethnocultural associations and NGOs contributes to sustainable development, strengthens intercultural dialogue, and boosts civic engagement.

As a result of the meetings, participants gained new knowledge and skills to develop ethnocultural projects, volunteer activities, and social initiatives in the regions.

The exchange visit was organized with the support of the Jetyisu Regional Public Development Department as part of the «Civil Center for NGOs of Jetyisu Region» project.