1997 – 2009. It has been thirteen years since the creation of the camp. Painstaking activities are carried out each year to improve the physical infrastructure and educational program.
The now well-known Arai-Sunrise health improvement camp sprang up in a desert area of the river Syrdaria bank in 1997. It was then when the first brick of White Yurta was laid, and a major job on reconstruction of buildings and finishing of facilities in the camp territory began. The creation of the summer camp had become a turning point in promotion of health of the younger generation. It has become the beginning of PKKR’s activities for the benefit of children. PKKR had undertaken to provide sponsorship which since then has been given in the form of free vouchers for children from poor families and orphanages. Thanks to the Company’s efforts a new educational program was established and implemented. In the framework of this program economic, English language, sports, art and other groups were organized. Their purpose is to plant a love for learning and develop skills in practical arts. Children learn carpet weaving, tapestry, pottery, sewing, knitting and appliqué work. An attention is also paid to developing musical abilities in singing and dancing groups, and to aesthetic education through fine arts groups. To implement this program a competition was held to select creative teachers having university degrees and specialists with the knowledge of child psychology. Later, on the basis of the camp a Job Market was created which quickly won a big popularity. Its purpose is to teach children the basics of economics and relations.
To improve the health of children and instill a healthy lifestyle a number of sports activities were planned. One of the memorable sports events was the first Company Cup soccer tournament which later became a tradition.
In 1999 the Company financed the purchase of computers for the camp and the opening of a computer literacy group. To the children’s joy a “Wonderland” puppet show was opened to train artistry skills. The English speakers from the USA Peace Corps in Kazakhstan made a significant contribution in implementation of the general camp program. A Cinema hall was opened. In addition, the camp was equipped with a radio cabin and modern audio and video equipment. Finally, a laundry and a hygiene room for girls that meet all sanitary norms were opened.
A complete and interesting life in Arai camp attracted close attention of the mass media. Foreigners have become frequent guests in the camp.
In 2001 the Company sponsored the reconstruction of a water pool and a sports ground. A Robinson Crusoe hut, Shakherezada tent, Khutorok, and a jungle corner were built by the teachers to make children feel like in a world of fairytales. An Aul the colorful yurtas of which became masters’ workplaces gave the camp a national color. To develop creative abilities of children and prepare them for future journalistic activities the Arai News children’s newspaper was created, in which children print their poems, articles and compositions with great pleasure.
At present, the camp continues to accept 1,020 children every year. Arai-Sunrise children’s summer camp is rightfully considered to be the best in the country. PetroKazakhstan’s annual expenses on maintenance of the camp exceed 250,000 US dollars.