By: Aiya Yerkebek, FLEX Alumna and Global Impact Grant recipient
Hello, I’m Aiya Yerkebek, founder of Ömirge Däm, and I want to share a story that is very close to my heart.
I feel incredibly honored to have won the Greenheart Impact Grant, which allowed me to turn an idea into something real and meaningful for children with special needs and their families in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
Ömirge Däm started with a simple thought that every child deserves a chance to learn, create, and feel proud of themselves — no matter their abilities. Many children in our
community don’t have access to inclusive activities, and I wanted to create a space where they could not only learn skills but also experience joy and confidence.
With the support of the Greenheart grant, we began hosting cooking workshops where children and their parents learn how to make healthy, sugar-free cookies. For the children, these sessions are a chance to try something new, practice independence, and feel proud of what they create. For the parents, it’s an opportunity to share time with their kids, learn alongside them, and celebrate small successes together.
A special part of our project is our team, “Ömirge Däm,” where we come together in a warm, supportive space to cook, laugh, and learn. So far, 50 children and adults have joined our sessions, supported by more than 10 amazing volunteers who give their time and care so generously. It has been inspiring to watch the children’s curiosity and excitement, and to see parents discover a completely new, fun, and meaningful experience with their kids.
One of the best parts is knowing that the impact doesn’t end when the workshop finishes. Families continue using our healthy recipes at home, making small changes in their daily lives that add up to something bigger.
Winning the Greenheart Impact Grant has been life-changing for me. It has allowed me to create something tangible that brings joy, learning, and connection to families who need it most. Ömirge Däm is proof that small moments — like baking cookies together — can grow into confidence, inclusion, and hope.
And the journey is just beginning