Education, Inclusion, and Social Support: Key Projects of 2024
Human capital development, expanding inclusion opportunities in Kazakhstan, and supporting socially vulnerable populations - these and many other areas of public policy have been the focus of the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation for many years.
For the Foundation, 2024 was a year of significant achievements, with the implementation of dozens of projects and initiatives by the First President, Nursultan Nazarbayev. These efforts involved tens of thousands of people from all regions of Kazakhstan, including schoolchildren, students, educators, NGO representatives, cultural figures, and scientists.
The success of these projects was made possible through strong partnerships with government agencies, regional akimats, charitable organizations, and public foundations.
EDUCATION - THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE
Supporting talented youth and contributing to the development of Kazakhstan’s education system remain top priorities for the "El Umiti" Corporate Foundation under the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation.
Throughout the year, "El Umiti" initiatives reached over 960,000 children and young people aged 7 to 29.
The "Qabilet" service focuses on creating a nationwide system for diagnosing students’ abilities and guiding their career choices. Since the beginning of the year, 25,079 schoolchildren (ages 8 to 17) have undergone diagnostic testing on the Qabilet platform. New assessment programs and career orientation tests have been developed and implemented.
Additionally, school psychologists and teachers from various regions received specialized training.
The "Myng Bala" (Thousand Children) National Intellectual Olympiad for Rural Schools also demonstrated strong results this year. More than 60% of 6th-grade students participate annually, and the Olympiad helps identify gifted children and provides them with opportunities to study at top specialized schools.
83,318 Participants Registered This Year
Following the final round, 1,000 winners were selected, with 380 admitted to specialized schools for gifted children.
To promote the Olympiad movement and deepen students’ knowledge, the fall round of the "El Umiti Talent" subject Olympiad was held for 7th-9th grade students. A total of 34,982 participants registered, and 64 winners from 18 regions were selected.
In 2024, the "El Umiti Award" project was launched to identify and support young talents aged 14-18. Participants created portfolios and developed social projects. Out of 500 participants, 10 became laureates and received grants.
The "Smart Ustaz" project, launched in 2022, continues to provide Kazakhstan's educators with modern tools for professional development. Four new programs have been approved by the Ministry of Education and uploaded to the platform, along with the creation of audiovisual materials for educational courses.
The "Tauelsizdik Dauiri" educational platform helped nearly 1,000 students improve their history knowledge through intellectual tournaments and game-based learning.
A new learning app "Zere" was developed to support students in mastering school subjects and extracurricular education based on national education standards.
The Kazakhstan Sociology Lab provides sociology training, data analysis skills, and digital technology education. The program involves leading experts from Kazakhstan and abroad. Out of 94 applications, 40 were accepted, and 38 students were enrolled.
In 2024, the "Debat Eli" Public Fund continued to actively develop the debate movement in Kazakhstan, achieving significant success both nationally and internationally. The fund organized the "El Umiti Cup 2024", the Kazakhstan Parliamentary Debate Championship, and the "Tungysh Cup 2024". A cooperation agreement was signed with the Oxford Union and "Open Communication".
Preserving Kazakhstan’s Unique Cultural Heritage
The "El Umiti" Foundation systematically works on promoting Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage. As part of the "Aitys" program, a community of young akyns, "Aitys Club", has been established, along with various contests such as the Republican Aitys "Qola Dombyra - 2024".
For many years, the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation has awarded named scholarships to outstanding students. Since 2010, a total of 999 students have received these scholarships. This year, 224 students competed, and 40 were awarded.
The large-scale "Ozyq Urpaq" project, launched in partnership with the "Robotek" school, provided robotics education to 750 children from 15 schools in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Aktobe, and Uralsk. Teachers also participated in professional development courses. Since 2022, the project has expanded to five more cities - Zhezkazgan, Semey, Aktau, Kostanay, and Kyzylorda—reaching 1,900 students from 25 schools.
Modernization of the First President’s Museum
The First President’s Museum under the Foundation has undergone a significant transformation. Today, it includes an extensive collection of archival documents, photographs, videos, and exhibits related to the life and achievements of the First President, as well as the history of Kazakhstan’s independence. The museum’s updated exhibitions help visitors better understand the country’s history and foster patriotism among the younger generation.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The "Qamqorlyk" project plays an invaluable role in opening children’s rehabilitation centers across the country.
Launched in 2019 by the "Qamqorlyk" Foundation, the project is implemented in partnership with regional akimats, the "Samruk-Kazyna Trust" fund, and the "Kazakhstan Khalkyna" fund.
Achievements Over Five Years
- 17 rehabilitation centers opened in various regions
- 7 autism centers established
- 17 early intervention centers launched
- 16 inclusion support rooms created in schools
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, the use of modern equipment, and best international practices, the project has achieved significant improvements in the condition of the children receiving care.
Since the opening of these centers, 51,585 children have received free, high-quality rehabilitation services. Among them, 4,455 children took their first steps thanks to the program.
SOCIAL IMPACT PROJECTS - A CORE MISSION OF THE FOUNDATION
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has consistently emphasized the importance of supporting social initiatives and vulnerable groups. For the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation, this work remains a top priority.
To support active Kazakhstani citizens engaged in social projects, the Foundation organizes an annual "Social Ideas and Projects Fair". Over 20 years, the Fair has supported more than 300 projects in education, culture, sports, and inclusion.
Key Statistics from This Year’s Fair
- 116 applications submitted
- 10 NGOs received up to 3 million tenge each
The Foundation also provided direct funding to NGO projects through regional events, awarding certificates of 2.5 to 3 million tenge.
The "Qolqanat" charity campaign, conducted over four years, has provided assistance to approximately 7,000 families, including large families, low-income households, and families with special needs members.
- This year alone, 2,000 families received essential aid, including food and hygiene supplies.
Additionally, the Foundation regularly sponsors various cultural events, scientific conferences, and roundtable discussions dedicated to solving social issues.
Through these and many other initiatives, the Foundation has helped thousands of young talents in Kazakhstan, provided health support to children in need, and offered real assistance to vulnerable communities.
This is the true impact of the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation’s mission.
