A unique social project – an integrated group home for teenagers – has been launched in Astana for young people under the care of the SOS Children’s Village. This initiative aims to help them learn to live independently, develop responsibility, and gain self-reliance. It offers teenagers the chance to take confident steps toward their future in a warm and safe environment.
The project was made possible with the support of the Halyk Charity Foundation, founded by Timur Kulibayev. The foundation provided two spacious apartments with a total area of 370 square meters for this purpose.
The new home plays an important role in helping teenagers transition to independent and responsible adult life. Here, they live with foster parents and learn to manage on their own, take responsibility, and adapt to urban life. The setting closely resembles a family environment, with cozy rooms, study and rest areas, and all the necessary amenities for everyday living.
“In partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, we’ve already implemented similar projects in Almaty and Karaganda. These projects have proven how important it is for children and families to grow in an urban setting with the warmth and comfort of home,” said Sagynbek Shungkeyev, Director of the Halyk Charity Foundation.
A Confident and Safe Start to Adulthood
The integrated house is designed to ease teenagers’ transition to adult life in an urban environment. It offers conditions for social adaptation and integration into society. Young residents always have access to the support of educators and SOS Children’s Village specialists.
Gulzhan Asanova, National Director of the SOS Children’s Villages Kazakhstan Corporate Foundation, commented on the project:
“The modern and comfortable conditions created here open great opportunities for successful study, rest, and daily life. This environment helps teenagers form a clear understanding of important values and norms. As a result, they are motivated to live independently, pursue in-demand careers, and find their own path.”
First Steps Towards Independent Living
Over the course of several years, the teenagers will learn to:
• Navigate life in an urban environment;
• Use public services (such as visiting clinics or accessing government services through public centers);
• Manage their finances wisely;
• Plan their future consciously.
By the time they leave the SOS Children’s Village program, these young people will be confident and fully prepared to handle everyday challenges just like any adult in Kazakhstan. They will take full responsibility for their lives and shape their futures with confidence.
17-year-old Kristina shared her impressions of the new home:
“When we first came to see the apartment, we were overjoyed. Our excitement must have surprised the neighbors! But it was a big moment for us. The moment we saw it, the girls and I agreed — we’ll meet every morning in the living room to have a cup of coffee together, just like in the movies!”
About SOS Children’s Villages Kazakhstan
The SOS Children’s Villages Kazakhstan Corporate Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1994. It supports children and young people who are without parental care or at risk of losing it. Over the past 30 years, more than 900 children and teenagers have been raised and supported in SOS Villages across Kazakhstan. Additionally, more than 2,500 children have received comprehensive support through various social projects.
The organization operates in Almaty, Astana, Karaganda, and Temirtau. It also provides methodological assistance to state-run orphanages across the country as part of the Family-Like Children’s Villages Coordination Council project, which is supported by the Halyk Foundation.
The Halyk Charity Foundation was founded in 2016 by Timur and Dinara Kulibayev. To date, the foundation has successfully implemented more than 120 social projects worth over 85 billion tenge.
