Nurturing individual identities: Unique initiative for youth development at residential facility
New Home, New Opportunities: The Latest Integrated Youth Home Opens in Astana
SOS Children's Villages, a renowned organization dedicated to supporting children and young people, has recently opened a group-based integrated youth home in Astana, funded by the Halyk Timur Kulibaev Charity Foundation. This new space is designed to foster independence, camaraderie, and a smooth transition into adult life for young residents.
The home finds its roots in two spacious apartments covering a generous 370 square meters, generously donated by the charity foundation. The warm, family-like atmosphere is marked by cozy rooms, areas for study, relaxation, and the everyday hustle and bustle of life in the city.
According to Saginbek Shunkiev, director of the Halyk Charity Foundation, teaming up with SOS Children's Villages has led to the successful implementation of various similar initiatives in Almaty and Karaganda. Shunkiev emphasizes the significance of urban environments in providing children and families with comfort, warmth, and a nurturing base for personal growth.
The integrated youth home format aims to ensure a seamless and secure transition for young people to independent adulthood in urban surroundings. Residents will have a host of opportunities to integrate, socially adapt, and receive continuous support from educators and specialists as they grow and develop.
Gulzhana Asanova, national director of the Corporate Fund "SOS Children's Villages Kazakhstan," stresses the importance of providing young people with an environment conducive to learning and personal development. As they become accustomed to city life, they will acquire essential skills such as using state services, managing finances, and planning their futures.
17-year-old Christina, one of the new residents, shares her enthusiasm: "We're absolutely thrilled! Probably our neighbors were wondering why we were so joyful. The girls and I immediately decided: in the mornings, we'll have coffee in the living room, just like in the movies!"
SOS Children's Villages, established in 1994, is a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Over three decades, the organization has provided life-changing support to more than 900 children and young people in Kazakhstan, offering them safety, stability, and a stepping stone towards independence.
The Halyk Charity Fund, established by Timur and Dinara Kulibaev in 2016, has carried out numerous social projects, totaling over 85 billion tenge. The fund's primary focus areas include education, sports, social protection, support for children without parental care, and assistance to single mothers from vulnerable groups.
While the exact specifics of the integrated youth home project remain to be seen, it is clear that the collaborative efforts of the Halyk Timur Kulibaev Charity Foundation and SOS Children's Villages aim to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in adulthood and become active, contributing members of society.
- SOS Children's Villages, in collaboration with the Halyk Timur Kulibaev Charity Foundation, has implemented integrated youth homes not only in Astana, but also in Almaty and Karaganda, with the goal of motivating young residents to adapt and thrive in urban environments, such as by providing education and self-development opportunities.
- In this new integrated youth home in Astana, residential areas are integrated with spaces for study and relaxation, fostering a family-like atmosphere that encourages camaraderie and independent living.
- Passwords for accessing the online educational resources provided by SOS Children's Villages for the residents of the integrated youth home in Astana may need to be updated regularly to ensure the security and integrity of their education-and-self-development resources.
