A girl named Nestan Samat, who is only 12 years old, has been living in France with her family from Kyrgyzstan for seven years. She was elected as a deputy of the Youth Municipal Council in the city of Sommières. Her father, Samat Kushbek, shared her achievements and life beyond her homeland. The solemn ceremony of handing over the mandate took place on January 10, and it was presented by the mayor of Sommières, Pierre Martinez.
Sommières is a small historical town in the south of France, located near the Mediterranean coast. Samat emphasizes that it is a wonderful place with a rich past that can be felt in every corner. The town was founded in the 12th century, and it is home to an ancient Roman bridge that is nearly two thousand years old. The bridge is still in use and has become a symbol of the region. Thanks to its mild climate, narrow streets, and proximity to the sea, Sommières attracts many tourists from around the world.
The Samat family found their calling in tourism and online commerce, which allowed them to maintain flexibility, balancing work with raising children and enjoying life in a cozy town that welcomes new travelers every season.
Nestan is growing up in this picturesque environment, confidently taking her first steps in the public life of France while not forgetting her roots.
Currently, she is studying in college and has successfully adapted to the local education system. Reflecting on their move in 2018, Samat notes that the beginning was not easy: a new language, a different culture, and the feeling that everything was starting from scratch. However, the children quickly adapted, and the teachers were happy to assist them through games and activities. Just a year later, Nestan was already speaking and writing in French fluently.
Today, the girl speaks French, English, German, and Latin, but at home, they communicate exclusively in Kyrgyz. In their home, the Kyrgyz flag, komuz, and kalpak hang on the walls, and the family discusses news from their homeland and prepares traditional dishes. "We are creating a little Kyrgyzstan in our home," shares her father.
Nestan is distinguished by her diligence and determination. She excels in her studies, participates in athletics, runs 2.5-kilometer cross-country races, enjoys sculpting and drawing, and keeps personal diaries. Last summer, while in Switzerland, she expressed a desire to write a book about her family's life between the two countries. "We just supported her wish," recalls Samat.
Nestan herself nominated her candidacy for the Youth Municipal Council, which brings together children aged 8 to 18. Council members propose initiatives for the city, work on projects, and have the opportunity to visit Paris to learn about the workings of parliament. For Nestan, this is her first serious experience in public life and an opportunity to feel the significance of her voice.
Her parents, Samat and his wife Ainura, a journalist by education, are proud of their daughter's achievements. "She knows how to set goals and achieve them. She is persistent and independent," says her father.
Despite living abroad for a long time, the family maintains their Kyrgyz citizenship. "We hope that one day our children will be able to serve their homeland, bringing the experience they gain here," adds Samat.
Nestan's story is a tale of a Kyrgyz girl growing up between two cultures: the ancient streets of Sommières and memories of a distant home. She confidently and calmly takes her steps, and it seems that there is much more interesting ahead of her.
