Opening the event, the State Secretary, the chairwoman of the Presidential National Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policy read the welcome address of the Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev to the ceremony participants. It emphasizes that during the years of Independence, the strengthening of the family institution has always been one of the priorities of the government’s social policy. Important decisions have been taken in this direction. It has become a tradition to celebrate the Family Day every year, and to hold the Mereily Otbasy National Contest. The nationwide projects executed at present, such as Five Social Initiatives of the President, are aimed at improving the well-being of Kazakhstan’s nation, and full support of the family.
The contest participants are representatives of families embodying high spiritual values - patriotism, diligence, responsiveness and charity.
Under the solemn event, the Secretary of State presented each a diploma with valuable gifts.
Based on the results of the final round via SMS / Internet voting, held from August 31 to September 7, the winner's family was determined. The family of Niyazkulovs from Zhambyl region has become the laureate in 2018. The head of the family Umen Niyazkulov (83 years) worked for more than 40 years as a teacher and director in a rural school. His wife Bayan (80 years) worked as a primary school teacher for 26 years. Pedagogical activities of the older generation were continued by children and grandchildren. The total pedagogical experience of the dynasty in three generations is 198 years. Spouses have been together for 62 years, brought up 12 children; they have 32 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
The State Secretary of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdykalikova solemnly presented the winning family with a memorable statuette and car keys.
The award ceremony ended with a festive concert with participation of popular Kazakh artists.