Nestan Samat, a 12-year-old girl from a Kyrgyz family, has been living in France for seven years and was recently elected as a deputy of the Youth Municipal Council of Sommières. Her father, Samat Kushbek, spoke about her achievements and character after the official handover of the mandate, which took place on January 10 and was conducted by the mayor of the city, Pierre Martinez.
The Samat family lives in Sommières—a small but historically rich town in the south of France, located near the Mediterranean Sea. The girl's father notes that it is a wonderful place where the breath of history and cultural heritage can be felt. The town was founded in the 12th century and is home to an ancient Roman bridge that is around two thousand years old and is still in use today. With its mild climate and picturesque streets, Sommières attracts tourists from all over the world.
The family has found their niche in tourism and online commerce, allowing them to balance work and childcare while maintaining the pace of life in a small town, where each season brings new travelers.
In this historical setting, Nestan confidently begins her first steps in the public life of France, while keeping a connection to the roots of her homeland.
The girl studies at a local college and has successfully adapted to the new educational system. Reflecting on their move in 2018, Samat says it was difficult at first: the new language and culture created a feeling that they were starting everything from scratch. However, the children quickly adapted, and the teachers supported them through games and activities. After a year, Nestan was already speaking and writing in French with confidence.
As of today, Nestan is fluent in French, English, German, and Latin, but there is a rule in the family: to communicate exclusively in Kyrgyz. Their home displays a flag, a komuz, and a kalpak, and they discuss news from Kyrgyzstan while preparing Kyrgyz dishes. "We are creating a little Kyrgyzstan at home," says her father.
Nestan shows diligence and determination. She excels in her studies, participates in athletics, engages in cross-country running at a distance of 2.5 kilometers, enjoys sculpting and drawing, and keeps personal diaries. Last summer, while in Switzerland, she shared with her parents her desire to write a book about their family's life between the two countries. "We fully supported her idea," recalls Samat.
Nestan herself nominated her candidacy for the Youth Municipal Council, which brings together children aged 8 to 18 who propose initiatives for the city. This is her first serious experience in public activities, which gives her the opportunity to feel the significance of her voice.
Her parents, Samat and his wife Ainura, a journalist by profession, are proud of their daughter's achievements. "She knows how to set goals and achieve them, showing perseverance and independence," notes her father.
Despite living abroad, the family remains citizens of Kyrgyzstan. "We hope that one day our children will be able to serve their homeland, enriched by the experiences they gain here," adds Samat.
Nestan's story is a tale of a Kyrgyz girl growing up between two worlds: the ancient streets of Sommières and memories of a distant home. She is taking confident steps into the future, and it seems that many interesting things await her ahead.
