Gift Personal Mentors to 100 Orphans in Kazakhstan

Dear friends,

We are delighted to share with you the results of our work in 2024 — a year filled with meaningful encounters, discoveries, and stories that have deeply touched our hearts.

Over the past 12 months, working across 17 cities in Kazakhstan, we’ve achieved a lot together:

• We received and reviewed 1,890 applications from potential mentors

• Conducted 49 “Mentor School” training sessions

• And most importantly, 97 teenagers from orphanages found their senior friends — trusted adults they can rely on, grow with, and dream beside.

Each new connection, each story — is more than a number in this report. It’s a real, tangible step toward trust, support, and a better life for our youth.

Program Geography and Key Moments

Karaganda
This year, we held another “Mentor School” training in Karaganda. After intensive sessions and thoughtful interviews, three candidates became mentors. They completed all stages of the selection process, submitted the necessary documents, met their mentees, and officially signed mentorship agreements. Ahead lies a meaningful journey — one of understanding, friendship, and mutual growth. We sincerely believe these pairs will become true support systems for one another.

Uralsk
Unfortunately, we faced challenges in Uralsk and had to replace our local project team. We are currently searching for dedicated professionals to lead the program with care and expertise — selecting and supporting new mentors. We hope to introduce our new team soon — one that is full of energy and eager to make a difference.

Shymkent
One of the most touching stories of the year comes from Shymkent — the friendship between Nigara and Anastas.

“Anastas is an incredibly interesting teenager — mature beyond his years, goal-oriented, and intelligent. Sometimes I feel like he is my mentor. He’s helped me see life from a different perspective,” says Nigara.

Like any meaningful relationship, theirs had its ups and downs — moments of silence, misunderstanding, and emotional distance. But through these challenges, they built what matters most — trust. Today, Anastas is comfortable sharing his feelings with Nigara, and she, in turn, is open about her own struggles. This honesty has created a space for true connection.

“Mentorship isn’t always a pretty picture. It’s work, responsibility, and a sincere desire to be present. I’ve seen how much a teenager changes when there’s an adult nearby who believes in them.”

Atyrau
The year in Atyrau began on a high note: we trained a group of new candidates, and three teenagers from the orphanage now have mentors. Their first meeting took place at the orphanage — a nervous but exciting moment for both mentors and mentees. The children were shy, the mentors a bit anxious. But thanks to a warm atmosphere, supportive team, and fun games, the introduction was relaxed and joyful. We believe this is just the beginning of strong, heartfelt friendships.

Pavlodar
In Pavlodar, our mentors continue to meet regularly with their mentees. Additionally, 8th grade students are enrolled in tutoring sessions — fully funded by our foundation. These sessions help boost academic performance and build confidence for upcoming exams.

The Story of Guzal and Valentina

Guzal and Valentina have been friends for over five years. Their relationship can be described as calm, warm, and built on trust. Over the years, Guzal has become not just a mentor, but a meaningful adult figure who gently helped Valentina shift her perspective on life.

Valentina developed an interest in her future and started thinking about different career paths. She began to make plans and explore her place in the adult world. Last year, Guzal supported Valentina through the process of preparing for college entrance exams. With her guidance and encouragement, Valentina passed the exams and was successfully admitted to college.

Today, Valentina is a student. She has graduated from the orphanage and now lives in a Youth House. Despite the changes, their friendship continues. Guzal remains by Valentina’s side, offering support and being that trusted adult presence in her life.

This year has been about more than numbers and milestones. It has been about real people, real change, and the powerful human connections that make it all possible.

Thank you for being with us, for believing in the power of mentorship, and for your continued support. Together, step by step, person by person, we are transforming lives.