Teaching in Remote Kazakh Schools: Four Inspiring Stories
Teach for Qazaqstan Program Empowering Rural Education in Kazakhstan
In a world where teaching is often associated with low pay and high demand, there are individuals who remain committed to bringing quality education to remote Kazakh villages through the Teach for Qazaqstan program. Recently, The Astana Times had the opportunity to interview four teachers from Abai, a city in the Karagandy Region, to delve into their experiences and the impact they are making on their students.
Teach for Qazaqstan, which gathered its first cohort of teachers in 2023, aims to address educational disadvantages and bridge the gap between rural and urban education. Many of the teachers in the program share common ideals such as building a supportive atmosphere, fostering community, establishing trusting student-teacher relationships, and implementing creative curriculums. Some teachers have transitioned from other careers to fulfill their goal of providing quality education to rural areas.
One of the teachers, Aida Suleimen, a former journalist, found her calling in education through the Teach for Qazaqstan opportunity. She shared that stepping into the classroom has completely changed her perspective on education and the individual talents of her students. Suleimen emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing each child’s unique strengths.
Another teacher, Gulzhiyan Zhaniyeva, who previously worked as a teacher, highlighted the initial challenges of relocating to a new place but expressed how the experience was ultimately rewarding. The program provided her with comprehensive support, including training in methodology and emotional support, which enhanced her teaching skills.
For Nazerke Akhan, who recently graduated with a degree in biology and chemistry, the program has underscored the significance of connection and compassion in education. Akhan believes in guiding students towards self-improvement and helping them realize their potential.
Nurzhigit Kurbonov, a biology teacher in the program, shared how his own teacher inspired him to pursue a career in education. He emphasized the value of real-life experiences in teaching, citing a project where students filmed a movie to express their thoughts and develop their skills.
As the first cohort of teachers in the Teach for Qazaqstan program nears graduation, the CEO, Gulnara Salmen, expressed pride in the impact they have made in creating safe and supportive educational environments for children in the Karagandy Region. The program continues to strive for systemic changes in the educational system of Kazakhstan, with the support of partners like Freedom Holding Corp. and Timur Turlov.
Through their dedication and passion for education, these teachers in the Teach for Qazaqstan program are making a lasting impact on the lives of students in rural Kazakhstan, paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation.
