Volunteering at AlmaU

At the initiative of President Kassym-Zhomart Tokaev, 2020 was declared the Volunteer’s Year in Kazakhstan.

“It is generally accepted that volunteering is a movement that originated in the West, and, they say, it has nothing to do with us. But we all know that the essence of volunteering is to do something from good intentions and it is in line with our national traditions and values. Volunteering is not just free work, but an indicator of citizens' responsibility and readiness to change the world for the better”- Kassym-Zhomart Tokaev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (12/10/2019. Speech at the closing ceremony of “ the Year of Youth ”).

 All volunteer projects of the coming year will be combined in 7 areas:

• “Sabaktastyk” project volunteers can take patronage of children from orphanages.

• Through “Saulyk” direction, medical volunteering will be developed - providing assistance in nursing care.

• Taza Alem project is environmental protection, cleaning rivers and forests, planting trees, and training in sorting garbage.

• “Asyl Mura” will attract volunteers to preserve the material and spiritual cultural and historical heritage of our people.

• “Kamkor” project is aimed at volunteer work in nursing homes for the elderly.

• “Bilim” is volunteer assistance to senior pupils of rural schools in preparing for UNT, teaching English and computer literacy.

• And “Umit” project, in the light of the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War, focuses on the search for documents that tell about the exploits of our compatriots.

As for AlmaU, it is a world-class socially responsible university, known to the public for its bright social projects: Charity Wish Tree, MegaChance, etc.) 

Since 2016, AlmaU Center for Social Entrepreneurship has been operating :

• A platform has been created - a scientific hub for discussing and resolving issues of developing a joint venture in Kazakhstan with the participation of government agencies, NGOs, and social enterprises (round tables, brainstorming, competitions) to determine the best form of ownership for a joint venture and to develop it in Kazakhstan.
• Work to inform, support, and involve representatives of small business, NGOs, and youth in solving social problems, developing entrepreneurial skills (trainings, lectures, participating in conferences, forums as a speaker, an expert in cities of Kazakhstan).
• A database of organizations working in the field of joint ventures in the regions of Kazakhstan is being formed.
• Support is given to the aspirations of people with disabilities to overcome social inequality through the acquisition of new knowledge, development of their own business ideas and their careers. Consulting and methodological assistance as a mentor and expert in creating, then developing social projects for people with disabilities, including drafting the concept of new social projects and developing reasonable business plans for participating in competitions. ("Altyn Zhurek 2018" Award)

Students of Almaty University Management from the first year are involved in volunteer activities. Service Learning is a striking example, the unique discipline in Kazakhstan. Volunteering is primarily a call of the heart. Everyone decides to do this or not.

Since September 1, 2015, Almaty Management University introduced a new discipline into the bachelor's program for first-year students of all specialties, in which the students learn to serve the community and put their knowledge into practice, working in nursing homes, homes for the disabled and other social organizations. The introduction of this course is consistent with the University’s policy aimed at training qualified business professionals who are deeply aware of their civic responsibility to society.

AlmaU is famous for its vibrant and eventful student life, but in addition to entertainment, there is also “DOS” student organization, aimed at developing charity within the walls of the University and promoting charity among students. Club members and all caring students visit orphanages, nursing homes every month, organize charity fairs and concerts, celebrations for children, and also collect clothes for those in need.  

On the basis of the university, “Sanaly Urpaq” student community  was opened, the main purpose of which is to eradicate corruption in the education system and create an environment of universal rejection of corruption through the education system, and “School of Integrity”, which oversees the President of Student Council - Amir Kaydarov. The main objectives of the school are:

• Anti-corruption culture 

• Academic honesty

• Information support

• Volunteering

In addition, the Student Relations Center holds various events annually. For example, a film screening for children from large families, low-income families and orphanages, master classes for children with disabilities, Nauryz celebration, New Year tree and many other activities related to social responsibility. For example, in 2019, AlmaU volunteers helped to organize “I'm With You!”  Charity Ball for wards of the First Children's Hospice in Kazakhstan. Students, employees and teachers took part in the New Year's ball with enthusiasm. Thanks to their kind, sympathetic hearts, the most secret desires and dreams of 97 children were fulfilled! 

Also in 2014, Charity Wish Tree project was launched, in which citizens can fulfill the wishes of children from orphanages or low-income families. Similar wish trees already have stunning success among residents of Almaty and Nur-Sultan. To take part in the project, just go to the tree to pick a leaf with a wish. Everyone, who torn a leaf, bring the gift to the orphanage and personally present it to the child. Moreover, the number of torn leaves is completely unlimited.

Almaty Management University never stands aside and always supports any social initiatives. The university is raising a new generation, which in the future will be able to apply the acquired skills not only in life, but also in professional activities.

In the Volunteer’s Year, the University has planned a lot of interesting events, you will find out announcement on the official website and in social networks.