By Aselya Shaidikeshova | Project manager
Dear Friends,
With joy and gratitude, we are proud to share a special milestone — this year our “Mentors” program celebrates its 10th anniversary!
Ten years ago, in Almaty, with the support of the Ministry of Education, we officially launched this project. Over time, the geography of the program expanded, new directions appeared, and “Mentors” grew into a nationwide movement. Throughout these years, our mission has remained the same — to help children growing up in orphanages find caring adults by their side, believe in themselves, and build a brighter future.
How the program has grown
In 2016, new directions were added: corporate mentoring and educational courses for children in orphanages. In 2023, we also launched the “Tlimgerler” project, which promotes mentoring in Kazakh language and embraces national values and cultural traditions.
Today the program is active in 18 cities of Kazakhstan, reaching 26 orphanages.
Program directions
Individual Mentoring
One mentor – one child. Together they learn how to build friendships, overcome challenges, plan for the future, and share trust. A mentor becomes a meaningful adult in the life of a child who needs support and guidance.
Corporate Mentoring
Employees of partner companies become mentors, organize workplace tours, internships, and master classes, helping children to discover professions and shape career goals.
Tlimgerler
A project for Kazakh-speaking children, implemented in Shymkent, Kyzylorda, Taraz, and Taldykorgan. Mentors support children in their native language and with respect for cultural traditions.
Educational Courses
Tutoring that helps children prepare for college and university entrance exams, fill educational gaps, and achieve better academic results.
Important legislative changes
Thanks to the long-term experience of our program and joint advocacy efforts with other NGOs, in 2024 Kazakhstan adopted a law that for the first time introduced the concept of “mentoring” into national legislation.
According to this law, every child over the age of 10 living in an orphanage has the right to a mentor. This historic change became possible because of the collective experience and impact of the “Mentors” program and partner organizations working across 18 regions of the country.
Our results over 10 years
More than 360 mentor–child pairs in 18 cities of Kazakhstan.
Over 45 project coordinators and psychologists supporting mentors and children.
191 partner companies engaged in corporate mentoring across 8 cities.
586 teenagers received career guidance support.
More than 250 children received tutoring in 10 cities.
19 graduates entered universities and 62 entered colleges on state scholarships.
In just 2 years, the Tlimgerler project brought together 17 mentors in 4 cities.
Forum for the 10th anniversary
To celebrate the anniversary, on August 16–17 in Almaty we held the first-ever Mentorship Forum in Kazakhstan, dedicated to supporting orphans and children without parental care. The forum brought together nearly 300 participants — representatives of government, business, international organizations, NGOs, and, of course, mentors and children.
It was a true celebration for the community that has been changing children’s lives for ten years. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, gratitude, and inspiration.
The most touching moments came from the stories of friendship and transformation. Mentors and children shared how their lives had changed thanks to the program. One of the highlights was the story of Nazira and Galya, a mentor and her mentee who have been together for 10 years. Their journey has become a symbol of trust and resilience — the foundation of the entire program.
The forum also featured six plenary sessions, panel discussions, and international exchange of experiences. It became a platform for looking to the future of mentoring in Kazakhstan, for creating new partnerships, and for strengthening the mentoring movement.
Looking ahead
The anniversary is not only a time to look back with pride, but also a new starting point.
We sincerely thank all mentors, partners, donors, and friends who have been with us on this journey. Your support has made the “Mentors” program strong, sustainable, and truly meaningful for hundreds of children across Kazakhstan.
Together, we will continue to bring hope, friendship, and opportunities to every child who needs a mentor.
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