Kazakh entrepreneurs make a gift to 1,000 rural children

The annual large-scale IQanat Olympiad for rural children has concluded in Almaty. Out of more than 50,000 schoolchildren, 1,000 of the most motivated students were selected over an eight-month period. This group of 1,000 children has already been dubbed “IQanat – Myn Bala,” symbolizing the record number of finalist students now supported by the IQanat program.

IQanat is a socio-educational initiative supported by more than 150 Kazakhstani entrepreneurs aiming to change the life trajectory of rural children by providing them with better starting opportunities through education and motivation. Among the project's patrons are Timur Turlov, Aydin Rakhimbayev, Arsen Tomsky, Bauyrzhan Isabayev, Marat Zhuman, Serik Tolbassy, Sergey Kan, Askhat Omarov, Kanat Kopbayev, Daulet Nurzhanov, and many other prominent figures from Kazakhstan and beyond.

Following the selection process, the IQanat patrons announced the names of 100 students who will study at the IQanat Boarding School in Burabay with all expenses fully covered. Another 100 students were awarded partial scholarships to participate in the specialized IQ Advance program, designed to prepare them intensively for university admission. The remaining 800 finalists joined the post-Olympiad program IQIP (IQANAT Intensive Program), which provides three years of support. Under this program, experienced teachers and mentors prepare students for the UNT (Unified National Testing), international exams, teach English, and guide them in choosing a future profession and university.

Thanks to IQanat's programs, up to 90% of participants gain full scholarships to leading universities in Kazakhstan and abroad. Currently, graduates of the project are studying in 15 countries worldwide.

It is worth noting that during the Olympiad week, the actual testing took place in just one day. The rest of the time was devoted to an intensive intellectual and motivational “boost.” Experts conducted training sessions on topics such as media literacy, AI and design thinking, public speaking, financial and legal literacy, and career planning. The students also participated in scientific experiments. To enrich their experience, the organizers arranged excursions around Almaty, including visits to the Botanical Garden and the Central State Museum.

To further inspire the students, they had the opportunity to meet with entrepreneurs and influencers from among the project’s patrons. For instance, director and former member of the Irina Kairatovna group Kuanysh Beysek, as well as entrepreneurs and philanthropists Kanat Kopbayev, Dulat Tastekey, Aidos Tansykkozhin, and others, engaged with the IQanat participants to share their insights and experiences.