American Corner & Makerspace Almaty has marked its 20th anniversary, bringing together alumni, volunteers, community members and partners at the Zhambyl Youth Library on September 29. For residents of Almaty, the milestone also highlights a practical opportunity: the center continues to offer free access to English-language resources, digital skills training, robotics, coding, 3D printing and other STEAM activities, DKNews.kz reports.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
The anniversary came as Kazakhstan and the United States also mark 35 years of bilateral relations. U.S. Consul General in Almaty Peter Kaufman used the occasion to underline the role of people-to-people ties in building long-term diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
From English classes to robotics and 3D printing
Over the past two decades, American Corner Almaty has evolved from a cultural exchange venue into a broader educational and technology hub.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
Today, together with Makerspace, the center provides free access to English-language learning materials, information services and practical training in digital skills. Visitors can also take part in robotics, coding, 3D printing and other STEAM programs covering science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The center also offers leadership training and access to educational resources about the United States. All programs are open to the public free of charge.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
American Corner & Makerspace Almaty operates at the Zhambyl Youth Library at 43 Nazarbayev Avenue. It is run in partnership between the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty and the Almaty Libraries Centralized System.
Why the anniversary matters for U.S.-Kazakhstan ties
One of the main themes of the celebration was the importance of personal connections between the two countries.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
“Every volunteer trained, every student who improved their English, every entrepreneur who found a new idea is a testament to what the United States and Kazakhstan can build together,” said U.S. Consul General in Almaty Peter Kaufman.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
The anniversary program also included keynote remarks, a retrospective video featuring successful alumni and an awards ceremony recognizing current volunteers.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
Institutional partners were also acknowledged, including the Almaty Libraries Centralized System and Chevron for their continued support of the center and its community initiatives.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
The next focus: wider access to technology
Looking ahead, American Corner & Makerspace Almaty says it plans to remain responsive to local community needs while expanding access to technology and supporting a new generation of Kazakh leaders, innovators and creators.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
For young people in Almaty, the practical value is straightforward: one public space offers opportunities to improve English, learn coding, explore robotics, work with 3D-printing technologies and develop leadership skills — all without participation fees.
Photograph Nikita Svetlichnyy
DKNews.kz previously reported on the renewed American Space & Makerspace format in Almaty, including technology, English-language and educational programs.
