The Challenge

Educational inequality in Kazakhstan reveals a stark contrast between urban and rural areas, particularly in access to resources, educational quality, and opportunities for community engagement. In urban centers like Almaty, residents benefit from numerous English language centers and enriched educational options, while rural communities like Chunja have extremely limited access to quality language instruction and other educational resources. This lack of opportunity contributes to a sense of "being stuck" among residents, as there are few places for families to engage in enriching activities beyond the usual social gatherings, which often lead to unproductive habits and feelings of dissatisfaction.

Government schools in rural areas often have basic libraries with limited selections, resulting in minimal motivation for reading and a narrow knowledge base among students and adults. This gap in functional literacy, which impacts comprehension of medicine, health, public policy, and current events, leaves communities vulnerable to misinformation and limits their economic and social mobility. “The social and economic future of Kazakhstani’s burgeoning youth population rests on the simultaneous advancement of minority, indigenous, and regional child language literacy” (sciencedirect.com)

Despite recent educational reforms aimed at fostering functional literacy and moving from a knowledge-based to a skill-based curriculum, improvements in student performance remain slow. “Kazakhstani students’ performance in international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) reveal little year-on-year improvement across academic disciplines. For example, results for PISA mathematics, science, and reading literacy have virtually stagnated since 2009 (Central Asian Bureau for Analytical Reporting, 2020)” (sciencedirect.com). Addressing this inequality is critical, as the socio-economic future of the country relies on elevating literacy and educational outcomes across all regions.

A Solution

Garden Education Center envisions a thriving Chunja, dedicated to nurturing the potential of the community to ensure individuals and families can flourish. The project aims to enhance educational opportunities in rural areas through a scholarship program, supported by local and external sponsors, making quality education accessible to those in need. Within four years, the center plans to achieve financial sustainability, establish a café promoting healthy eating in collaboration with Green Fields Farm & Nursery, and develop a career and entrepreneurial component. 

Additionally, fostering strong partnerships with businesses and schools is a priority, with a goal of establishing five collaborations within the first two years. The ultimate aim is to create a profitable and sustainable business that meets community needs and contributes positively to the local environment.

Business Activities Geared Towards Providing Quality Education, Economic Growth, and Reduce Inequalities:

Target 4.1.P Work towards ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes ADAPTED: Work towards ensuring that individuals have access to quality education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes (Created by PRINT).

Target 4.P.2 Provide access to reading and educational materials for children and youth (Created by PRINT).

Target 8.5 Promote full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

Target 10.P Empower and promote economic inclusion for all, irrespective of age, sex, disability,

race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Measured by:

• How many students attended language services each quarter?

• What kind of services were provided each quarter? Any extra curricular activities?

• Number of students receiving full scholarships each quarter. - Goal 2025

• Number of students receiving career/entrepreneurial training each quarter. - Goal 2027

• How many community members utilized the library facilities each quarter?

• Number of full-time, part-time, and temporary employees of the organization that are earning a local living wage or higher each quarter.

• What investments are being made in employee development?

• Show how much money flowed to this area that would not have otherwise without the project for economic growth, list the quarterly expenses (including salaries but not your own).

• Specify the age demographic of students attending services. (Can be specific female individuals, individuals with disabilities, low income, poor, rural minorities/previously excluded, etc.)

• List the number of community events/trainings held each quarter. Please describe how these events geared toward all community members and how these services would impact their community

Garden Education Center envisions a thriving Chunja, dedicated to nurturing the potential of the community to ensure individuals and families can flourish. The project aims to enhance educational opportunities in rural areas through a scholarship program, supported by local and external sponsors, making quality education accessible to those in need. Within four years, the center plans to achieve financial sustainability, establish a café promoting healthy eating in collaboration with Green Fields Farm & Nursery, and develop a career and entrepreneurial component. 

What Does Your Donation Go Towards?

• Projector: $600

• Large classroom furnishings (desks, chairs, curtains, whiteboards): $900

• 6 months start-up rent: $2,500

• Library Set-up: $1,000

• Opening Fees: $500

• Accountant for first 6 months: $900

• Funds for permanent location upon successful startup