Modern Schools for Mangystau: The ‘Otpan’ Project

The year ends on a high note for the residents of Beineu village, where three schools—serving a combined 5,000 students—have become part of a regional initiative to improve the quality of education.

Development of Rural Schools

The Otpan project, launched by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is based on the successful model of rural support schools developed by the Sustainable Education Development Fund. The initiative aims to modernize 50 schools across the Mangystau region, impacting more than 60,000 students and 7,000 teachers. It is being implemented through private investment, with the Halyk Charitable Fund playing a key role.

“The state pays special attention to improving the quality of education. To bridge the gap between urban and rural schools, the national project Auyl Mektebi — Sapa Alany was launched last year. It includes regional subprojects supported by private investors. This is a comprehensive initiative aimed at upgrading infrastructure, equipping schools with modern teaching tools, and enhancing teacher quality. Early results already show a 7–9% improvement in the quality of education in rural schools,”
— Gani Beisembaev, Minister of Education of Kazakhstan

To support implementation, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools JSC and the Bilim-Innovation Foundation are providing methodological guidance.

Halyk Foundation’s Role in Beineu

The Halyk Charitable Fund was one of the first sponsors to complete school modernization in Beineu, supporting teacher training and upgrading the material and technical base of three schools.

As a result, more than 50 educational spaces were renovated, including classrooms for primary grades, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, and robotics. Creative learning environments were introduced, along with art and television studios and student relaxation zones. Over 290 teachers are receiving training in modern teaching methods, and work is underway with psychologists and administrators to enhance professional competencies.

“Education is one of our foundation’s core priorities. We provide grants to gifted children from vulnerable groups, equip schools and learning centers, support teachers, and teach entrepreneurship to senior students. Since 2016, we’ve allocated 10 billion tenge to education, including 504 million tenge for schools in Beineu. Our goal is to ensure equal access to modern technologies and help children compete successfully in the future,”
— Nariman Abilshaikov, Managing Director of the Halyk Charitable Fund

Building a Network of Support Schools

Schools participating in the Otpan project will serve as hubs for neighboring institutions, contributing to a growing network of flagship schools supported by FSUDE.

“In 2019, with support from AITAS Holding, we launched a flagship school network and continue expanding it nationwide. The model has helped elevate rural education and inspired regional projects like Otpan. Our mission is to ensure equal learning opportunities for all students, regardless of location,”
— Daniyar Toktarbaev, Director of the Foundation for Sustainable Education Development

The two-year Otpan project includes ongoing monitoring of academic performance and post-project support.

In November, the first results were presented to Deputy Prime Minister Tamara Duisenova.

Mangystau has 145 public and 53 private schools, including a Nazarbayev Intellectual School and two Bilim-Innovation lyceums. The region serves 188,000 students and employs over 16,000 teachers.

About the Foundation for Sustainable Development of Education (FSUDE)

Founded in 2019 by Serik Tolukpaev, FSUDE works to reduce the education gap between urban and rural schools. Its programs now reach 325 schools, 160,000 students, and 11,000 teachers. Over 5,500 classrooms have been equipped, with more than 40 billion tenge in sponsorship funds raised.

About the Halyk Charitable Fund

Founded by Timur Kulibayev and Dinara Kulibayeva in 2016, the Halyk Charitable Fund has implemented over 120 social projects totaling more than 85 billion tenge. In Mangystau alone, the Fund has allocated 4 billion tenge since 2023, including:

• 1.8 billion tenge for the Beineu grain terminal
• 565 million tenge for a desalination system serving 25,000 residents
• 530 million tenge for over 50 children’s facilities
• 1 billion tenge for a 4-hectare sports and wellness complex in Zhanaozen

In recognition of its work, the Fund was awarded Philanthropist of the Year in Mangystau in 2023.

Photo: Qarlyğaş Nūr Jan

Источник: Tengrinews.kz