YbyraiCamp: we strengthen the leadership and entrepreneurial potential of teachers and employees of Kazakhstan universities and colleges
July 21-24, in the "Kazakhstan Alps" on the area of Karkaraly National Natural Park, «YbyraiCamp», the country's first Summer School of Entrepreneurial Education was held.
#YbyraiCampis an initiative of ERG (Eurasian Group) in partnership with Almaty Management University and Tel Aviv University Association of Friends in Kazakhstan. The camp worked as part of “Ecosystem of Student Entrepreneurship” project.
- “Ecosystem of Student Entrepreneurship” is our long-term program aimed at creating platforms in the regions of presence for developing active and entrepreneurial youth, as well as, in the longer term, improving the business climate and developing the local economy,”commented Alexander Mashkevich, Chairman of ERGBoard of Directors. - And in this issue, we are ready to cooperate with universities of our native regions. Therefore, it is important for us that teachers of educational institutions know the trends of modern education,see where the world is striving and what tomorrow brings for their graduates.
The participants of YbyraiCamp summer camp went through an intensive four-day “reset” programme, with the participation of leading experts in the field of entrepreneurial education, leadership, management and business from Kazakhstan and Russia.
The first day of #YbyraiCamp was devoted to introductory, installation meet-ups: participants, teachers and employees of educational institutions tried to enter one “orbit” of understanding educational problems and opportunities, establish “points on the map” for a better understanding the need to change the structure and methods of the educational process and management.
EvgenyVolkov, CDO BTSDigital shared the trends and concerns at the meet-up “Who knows what tomorrow holds?”.Ksenia Yuzhaninova-Karadenizli, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation AlmaU, spoke about what entrepreneurial ecosystems are and shared benchmarks of universities, regions and countries. Aliya Bizhanova, research grant coordinator at Almaty Management University, talked about 21st century skills and how to follow the principle of “lifelong learning”.
- These were 4 incredibly intense days, a lot of information, a lot of insights, a lot of laughter and always a positive attitude. Ahead of the participantsthere is implementation of project changes. It will not be easy, because any change is maintenance of existing processes and at the same time the creation of new ones. - says Oleg Alferov, business development consultant, project curator, business coach, founder of Locus Profi training and consulting center, teacher at Kaliningrad School of International Business. - There will be more work. It will take more energy. Focus on results is the only thing that ensures success. But we know an approach which is not ideal, but really working - project management. If there is a road map, then we will go the distance. And you need to add 2 more important ingredients: enthusiasm and belief in success. I got incredible pleasure from communicating with fellow teachers, and I know that empathic and enthusiastic people are the key to the success of the project.
On the second day of #YbyraiCamp Summer School of Entrepreneurial Education, participants analyzed practical tools - design thinking, fundraising, consulting, development of educational programs.
NadezhdaChervyakova, a business trainer, urbanist and facilitator, decomposed the whole process of design thinking together with the participants through practical tasks. Aliya Bizhanovatold the participants what fundraising is and how to use it for university and teacher projects. DaniyarMedetov, head of AlmaU Business Incubator, shared consulting tools that will help the university expand its partner base. Anastasia Kirillova, Director of Center for Online Education AlmaU talked about how to create a pedagogical design of educational programs for entrepreneurship.
- The summer school of entrepreneurial education was simply amazing, trainings, interesting speakers, a meeting with colleagues on the project, an exchange of views and just communication inspired us to continue working. We have new ideas on how to continue to work with students and involve new stakeholders in this process. - says ZubirashSmagulova, coordinator of introduction of entrepreneurial education in InEUand dean of Business and Law Faculty. - For our university, with experience in this project, “Pedagogical design of entrepreneurship programs” topic was especially relevant. The approach to the teacher as a mentor and tracker is also interesting, and we want to convey this idea to the teachers of our university. It was important to hear what the future holds for universities, about the need for lifelong learning. For new knowledge and skills we thank the organizers of the Summer School.
The third day was devoted to technology transfer tools, the future of universities and tools for developing student ideas and projects.
IlyaSokolov from Nizhny Novgorod Graduate School of Economicsshared the main models of technology transfer and work with technological projects in the world and in the CIS countries. His colleague Dmitry Sidorovspoke about the impact of technological development on the educational sphere. Anastasia Kirillova shared the tools of the mentor, and DaniyarMedetov- tracking tools. Oleg Alferov spoke about transformation of business education through the analysis of typical errors related to development and launch of educational products.
On the fourth day, participants talked about project management tools and understanding of education in the context of a complex world.
Oleg Alferov revealed the secrets of a systematic approach to project activities, and SayasatNurbek, head of BTS Digital educational center, spoke about global trends that create new challenges and educational opportunities.
- Entrepreneurs are creators, and entrepreneurship is the most wonderful form of creativity. Therefore, there cannot be unambiguous laws, methods and rules suitable for everyone. The noble work, that AlmaU and ERG is doing together with enthusiasts from other universities and colleges,has particular importance. Where there is a union, there is less scope for fear, which means that more and more people will take risks and change the world around them, starting with training programs and standards. - says IlyaSokolov. - YbyraiCamp gathered in one place not just teachers, but real entrepreneurs who will change the face of Kazakhstan in the coming decades. I am happy to be involved in this great cause and I am sure that we will continue to be friends and a lot of cool technology companies will grow out of our cooperation.
“Ecosystem of Student Entrepreneurship” project was launched in March 2017 at the initiative of ERG (Eurasian Group) in partnership with Almaty Management University and Tel Aviv University Association of Friends in Kazakhstan.
The project offers students the opportunity to participate in events in the field of entrepreneurship for free, and also plays an important role in developing the skills and competencies of teachers and employees of educational institutions.
Thanks to a wide range of events and initiatives, “Ecosystem of Student Entrepreneurship” project allows us to understand entrepreneurship and innovation through action and practice.
