Evaluating Youth Well-Being in Western Kazakhstan: A Comprehensive Analysis of Education, Health, and Civic Engagement

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the well-being of young learners in Western Kazakhstan across six key criteria: citizenship, economic opportunities, education, health, information, and communication technologies, and safety. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 285 students from Aktobe, Atyrau, Aktau, and Uralsk. The study findings reveal varying levels of well-being: moderate citizenship engagement (60% active participation), limited economic opportunities (35% satisfaction), high accessibility to education (80%), though with quality concerns (40%), positive health indicators (75% good access), widespread technology usage (90%) but with digital literacy challenges (30%), and mixed perceptions of safety (55% feeling secure). These results underscore both strengths and areas needing improvement in youth well-being, offering critical insights for targeted policy interventions in Western Kazakhstan.