From Schoolchild to Professional: Timur Kulibayev Foundation Launches Large-Scale Educational Project
The Halyk Charitable Foundation of Timur Kulibayev, with the support of the Government of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of the Mangistau region, launched a large-scale educational and outreach program to develop entrepreneurial skills within the framework of the Talimger project.
As noted, the Talimger project fits organically into the priorities outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his Address to the Nation: “The basics of entrepreneurship should be taught from school to universities.”
The project initiated by the Halyk Foundation became a timely response to the demand of society and the state for practice-oriented education.
The program covers all levels of education – from kindergartens to colleges. At each age, training will be different, adapted to the level of preparation:
- In kindergartens – the first foundations of economic thinking through games;
- In primary school – elements of enterprise through work training;
- In middle and high school, knowledge of financial, digital and media literacy is added;
- In colleges, students develop their own business projects and startups.
The project also includes identifying talented children, creating an ecosystem for the development of social initiatives and the formation of human capital.
“We were looking forward to the start of this important project, because it is of particular importance for the entire Mangistau region. This is a step towards ensuring that young people receive a quality education and are prepared for modern challenges. For its part, the Akimat is ready to provide comprehensive support,” said Deputy Akimat of the Mangistau Region Abbat Urisbayev.
The fund noted that from September 2025, the subject “Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship and Business” will be introduced in all schools and colleges in the region. For this, 240 specialists will be trained: school teachers, college teachers and career guidance specialists.
Educational materials are also being developed, and business camps are planned for the summer of 2026 to develop leadership, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills.
Students will be able to participate:
- In startup competitions,
- Trainings,
- Business case solutions,
- Analysis of different professions and markets.
This project helps young people move beyond the usual focus on the oil sector and see broader opportunities. It provides in-demand skills, teaches how to start a business and understand the market. What is especially important is that attention is also given to teachers—because changes in students’ mindsets begin with educators. Seminars and trainings will help unlock the potential of teachers in Mangystau,” noted Dana Nurzhigit, Kazakhstani TV presenter, journalist, and public figure.
The program also helps parents and teachers better understand how to develop a child and help him choose a profession. For this purpose, an interactive media portal will be created, where materials and tests on more than 5,000 professions will be collected.
“This course is an investment in practical skills and an active life position of young people. We strive to form independent and responsible citizens, so we involve not only students in the project, but also their parents, teachers, businesses and local communities,” shared Aigul Akhmetova, executive director of the Halyk Foundation.
As Aktau school teacher Anar Tokbaeva noted: “This is an important and encouraging initiative for all of us, teachers. The project helps not only to impart knowledge, but also to prepare children for life, work and entrepreneurship. In today’s conditions, this is one of the wisest investments in the future.”
The Talimger project is part of the fund’s large-scale work on the development of the Mangistau region. Thus, since 2023, the Timur Kulibayev Foundation has allocated 5 billion tenge for the development of the region – improving infrastructure, providing drinking water, building sports facilities and much more.
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