Timur Kulibayev Foundation Launches Large-Scale Educational Project
The Halyk Charitable Fund of Timur Kulibayev, with support from the Government of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of the Mangystau region, has launched a major educational and outreach initiative to develop entrepreneurial skills as part of the Talimger project.
The Talimger project aligns closely with the priorities outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his Address to the Nation: “The basics of entrepreneurship should be taught from schools to universities.”
Initiated by the Halyk Charitable Fund, the project is a timely response to society’s and the state’s growing demand for practice-oriented education.
The program covers all levels of education—from kindergartens to colleges—with training tailored to each age group:
- In kindergartens, children are introduced to the basics of economic thinking through play-based activities.
- In primary school, students explore elements of entrepreneurship through hands-on work training.
- In middle and high school, the curriculum expands to include financial, digital, and media literacy.
- In colleges, students develop their own business projects and start-ups.
The project also focuses on identifying talented students, building an ecosystem to support social initiatives, and fostering the development of human capital.
We were eagerly anticipating the launch of this important project, as it holds special significance for the entire Mangystau region. It’s a step toward ensuring that young people receive a quality education and are prepared to meet modern challenges. The Akimat is fully committed to providing comprehensive support, said Abbat Urisbayev, Deputy Akim of the Mangystau Region.
Starting in September 2025, the subject “Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship and Business” will be introduced in all schools and colleges across the region. To support this, 240 specialists—including school teachers, college instructors, and career guidance professionals—will undergo training.
Educational materials are currently being developed, and business camps are planned for summer 2026 to help students build leadership, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills.
Students will be able to participate in:
- Start-up competitions
- Training
- Business case solutions
- Analysis of different professions and markets.
This project helps young people move beyond the traditional focus on the oil sector and explore broader opportunities. It equips them with in-demand skills, teaches them how to start a business, and understand the market. What’s especially important is the attention given to teachers—because shifts in students’ mindsets begin with educators. Seminars and training sessions 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 support a child’s development and guide them in choosing a career. To achieve this, an interactive media portal will be created, featuring materials and assessments covering more than 5,000 professions.
This course is an investment in practical skills and the active civic engagement of young people. At the Halyk Charitable Fund, we strive to shape independent and responsible citizens, which is why 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 Charitable Fund.
As Aktau school teacher Anar Tokbaeva noted, “This is an important and encouraging initiative for all of us, teachers. The project not only helps impart knowledge, but also prepares children for life, work, and entrepreneurship. In today’s environment, this is one of the wisest investments in the future.”
The Talimger project is part of the Halyk Charitable Fund’s large-scale efforts to support the development of the Mangistau region. Since 2023, the Timur Kulibayev Foundation has allocated 5 billion tenge toward regional development—improving infrastructure, providing access to clean drinking water, building sports facilities, and much more.
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