Aga Khan School, Osh

The competition, “Literature and Media: Between Asia and Russia”, was held in the Republic of Crimea, Russia. It was organised by the Eurasian Centre for Russian Language and Culture and required participants to explore the cultural and literary exchange and interconnectedness between Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic. For Beksultan’s winning entry, he focused on the work of Raikhan Shukurbekov, a renowned poet who significantly shaped Kyrgyz Russian literature. In a sophisticated video presentation, Beksultan analysed Shukurbekov’s poetry while demonstrating the cultural awareness and communication skills he fostered at AKS, Osh.  

Along with being named as one of the winners of the competition, Beksultan also received an invitation to attend the legendary "Artek", an international children’s centre by the Black Sea, for an intensive 20-day programme that was held in December 2025. 

At the camp, Beksultan built friendships with peers from different countries and engaged in various educational and leadership activities. He conducted a sergeant major role of a naval detachment crew, which demanded a high level of teamwork and the mastery of maritime fundamentals, including technical seamanship and knot-tying. It was an environment where he applied his school-learnt leadership skills in real-time. 

“I could stand out among my peers at the camp, demonstrating my knowledge of language and applying the communication and leadership skills I gained at AKS, Osh,” Beksultan noted. 

Reflecting on his return to school, he saw a clear connection between his daily studies and his success abroad. He credited his growth to the support of his family, teachers and classmates throughout the process. 

“When you successfully apply the skills you learnt in school outside of the classroom, you can see the true impact of your education and how the school helps you grow both personally and professionally. I'm grateful to my school, family, teachers, classmates and friends for their support during my journey.” 

Beksultan now hopes his experience serves as an inspiration for younger students at the school. He encourages his peers to remain persistent in their pursuits and to trust in the foundation they are building today, expressing: “Never stop believing in yourself and always put in your best effort to achieve your goals. This determination will guide you toward your next life milestone.” 

From analysing Kyrgyz poetry to leading a naval detachment in the Crimean Peninsula, Beksultan’s journey highlights AKS, Osh’s focus on multilingualism and the development of leadership skills to prepare students for global opportunities. This success stands as a powerful testament to the school's mission of developing intellectually curious and socially responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities.