12-year-old Nestan Samat, the daughter of Kyrgyz emigrants who have been living in France for seven years, was elected as a deputy of the Youth Municipal Council of Sommières. On January 10, she was presented with her mandate by the mayor of the city, Pierre Martinez. Her father, Samat Kushbek, shared his impressions and pride for his daughter.
Sommières is a small but historically significant town in the south of France, located near the Mediterranean Sea. Samat notes that this town, founded in the 12th century, is rich in history, and its famous Roman bridge, which is about two thousand years old, is still in use today, attracting many tourists thanks to its unique climate and beautiful streets.
The Kushbek family found their calling in the tourism and online trading sectors, allowing them to combine work and raising children while living in the rhythm of a small town that welcomes new travelers each season.
Nestan is growing up in such a rich historical atmosphere and confidently participates in the public life of France while maintaining a connection to her Kyrgyz roots.
Currently, the girl is studying in college and has adapted well to the new educational system. According to Samat, their move in 2018 was not easy: they faced language and cultural barriers. However, the children quickly settled in, thanks to the support of teachers who used games and activities to aid in their adaptation. Within a year, Nestan was speaking and writing in French fluently.
Today, she speaks French, English, German, and Latin, but the family has a rule to communicate exclusively in Kyrgyz. In their home, the flag of Kyrgyzstan, a komuz, and a kalpak hang on the walls, and traditional Kyrgyz dishes are prepared. "We are creating a little Kyrgyzstan at home," says Samat.
Nestan is characterized by diligence and focus. She studies well, participates in athletics, runs 2.5-kilometer cross-country races, and creatively develops her skills by sculpting with clay and painting. While vacationing in Switzerland during the summer, she shared with her parents her dream of writing a book about their family's life between the two countries. "We just supported her aspiration," recalls her father.
The girl independently nominated herself for the Youth Municipal Council, which brings together children aged 8 to 18. They propose initiatives to improve the town, work on projects, and even have the opportunity to visit Paris to learn about the workings of parliament. This will be Nestan's first serious experience in public life and a chance to feel the significance of her voice.
Her parents, Samat and Ainura, who is a journalist, are proud of their daughter's achievements. "She knows how to set goals and achieve them. Nestan is persistent and independent," notes her father.
Despite living abroad for a long time, the family remains citizens of Kyrgyzstan. "We hope that in the future our children will be able to serve their homeland, enriched by the experiences they gain here," adds Samat.
Nestan's story is that of a Kyrgyz girl confidently navigating between two worlds: the historical Sommières and memories of her homeland. She takes her steps with confidence, and it seems that many achievements lie ahead of her.
