2024: A Turning Point in Kazakhstan’s Philanthropic History
2024 has become a landmark year for the development of charity in Kazakhstan. Despite the country’s decline in the international ranking of the World Giving Index from 107th to 113th place, the country demonstrates the power of private and public initiatives. This year has confirmed that charity can change lives, inspire generosity and serve as a support for society even in difficult times.
Halyk Foundation Achievements: New Level of Support
The Halyk Foundation, led by Timur and Dinara Kulibayev, has continued to set standards in philanthropy. Since its establishment, the foundation has allocated over 85 billion tenge for the implementation of social and educational projects. In 2024 alone, the foundation allocated a record 35.5 billion tenge, of which 31 billion was directed toward supporting affected regions, including Kulsary, Atyrau, Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, and Kostanay regions.
This aid has become more than just financial support, but a symbol of rebirth: restoration of housing, infrastructure, and hope for thousands of families. One of the most striking examples was the construction of 400 apartments in Astana for families in critical situations, as well as the opening of a kindergarten for 280 children in the village of Auliekol – an important event after the devastating fires of 2022.
Innovative Projects: Focus on Regions
The Halyk Foundation has launched large-scale initiatives aimed at sustainable development. Among them:
• The grain terminal in Beineu, which has become a key project for the region’s agricultural sector.
• Desalination system for the villages of Akshukur and Saina Shapagatova, providing clean water to more than 25,000 residents.
• Modernization of three schools in the Mangistau region, creating new opportunities for quality education.
Each project is aimed at a long-term effect, turning charity into a fundamental solution to socio-economic problems.
Education and Sports: Investments in the Future
The Foundation actively supports young people through educational and sports initiatives. For example:
• The AUYL SPORT project involved more than 12,000 children from 200 rural settlements. This is not just popularization of sports, but a contribution to the education of a new generation of champions.
• AuylFootball united over 4,000 young football players, becoming a real forge of talent.
• Grants for education at the Miras International School, which help children from different parts of the country to realize their potential.
Recognition at the highest level
2024 was the year of recognition of the contribution of philanthropists. In June, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at a ceremony recognized the merits of philanthropists, including Timur Kulibayev. For a systematic approach and significant contribution to social development
The Halyk Foundation was also awarded:
• Medals “Kayyrymdylyk ushin” from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• “Patron of the Year” awards for aid to flood victims and housing construction.
• “Patron of the Year” awards for projects in the Mangistau region.
Charity as the basis of the future
The year 2024 demonstrated that charity in Kazakhstan has ceased to be just an act of kindness, turning into a strategic tool for development. The example of the Halyk Foundation, its systematic approach and sustainable results became an inspiration for other organizations and the basis for government initiatives.
“The Halyk Foundation always strives not only to help, but also to create platforms for sustainable development. I believe that the foundation can be proud of the fact that it contributes to building a strong and harmonious society,” said Saginbek Shunkeev, director of the Halyk charity foundation.
This year marked the beginning of a new era, where charity is not just support, but a fundamental element of the unity and progress of Kazakhstan.
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