Prosperous time in the East, but at what price?

As the West struggles with sluggish growth, migration and war in Ukraine, Central Asia is enjoying something of a boom.

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Led by Kazakhstan and bolstered by significant natural resources, the five former Soviet republics have to balance relations with Russia and China if they are to prosper.

But what price continued growth? Tim Hartley toured Kazakhstan after the Wales football team’s World Cup match there

RAYANA’S mum held the little girl’s hands above her head as I got down on my knees to cut a thin blue cord which had been tied around her ankles. By doing this I was symbolically untethering her - helping four-year-old Rayana step into life and wishing her a prosperous and happy future.

The Tusaykeser is a traditional ceremony for all children in Kazakhstan and as a representative of the Wales football supporters charity, Gôl Cymru, I was guest of honour during our visit to the Bereke Rehabilitation Centre in the capital city, Astana. Founded in Azerbaijan in 2002 by fans who “wanted to make a difference”, Gôl Cymru has helped children’s causes in more than 50 countries and makes donations every time the national team plays.

Today's visit was especially poignant: because although the Tusaykeser ceremony is usually performed on a Kazakh child’s first birthday, Rayana has cerebral palsy, and it took four years for her to learn how to walk and take her first symbolic steps.

After the cord was cut, Rayana was helped to walk towards a small selection of objects, each one representing a possible path in life: a book, a musical instrument, a coin and a tool. As confetti was showered over her, and to loud applause from family and friends, she went for the toy doctor's set.

The Bereke Centre looks after dozens of children with a range of disabilities. Its director is Aigul Bulatova, a warm, motherly person, her headscarf framing a full, rounded face. Aigul established the charity because of her experiences growing up with her own disability, a withered arm.