"If you want to feed someone for a day, give them a fish; if you want to feed them for life, give them a fishing rod." While organizations often provide one-time aid to orphans to solve immediate issues, some think about how to secure their future.
For the fourth year now, a few orphans from across the country have an opportunity to receive higher education at one of the country's best universities. Even if they don't get a grant and can't pay for several years of study, they can enroll in their desired specialty.
This chance is provided to orphans by JSC "Nurbank" and Caspian University under the "Pathway to Life" program. Currently, 27 students are studying in the program, with one graduate so far.
According to Eldar Sarsenov, Chairman of the Board of JSC "Nurbank", the program "Pathway to Life" offers free education in any specialty, a scholarship, employment during practice, and after graduation.
"Initially, like other companies, we chose the path of traditional charity: giving gifts to orphanages and taking children to the movies. But it doesn't have a final goal. So we decided to establish the "Pathway to Life" grant. Our goal is to support a student from the first to the fourth year," says Eldar Rashitovich.
It should be noted that students can intern or work after graduation at the bank or in other prominent companies. Additionally, students under the bank's patronage are provided with necessary items like books, office equipment, and even clothes.
"I was raised in an orphanage, then lived in a youth home. I graduated from college as a car mechanic, but I didn't like the profession. Here, I enrolled in "Accounting and Auditing" because I love math and want to work in a bank. I'm glad I have the opportunity to study because I wouldn't be able to pay for it," says Sultan Mamanov, a fourth-year student at Caspian University.
The program does not require outstanding performance but expects a willingness and effort to study. Admissions are based on entrance exam scores, and students can transfer to their desired specialty—just like Rinat Sadykov did.
Rinat was admitted to "Psychology" but plans to switch to law this year as he always dreamed of becoming a prosecutor.
It's quite possible that Nastya Goloborodko's dream will also come true—she couldn't enroll in higher education last year, but upon hearing about "Pathway to Life", she enrolled this year.
Nastya chose the current specialty "Translation Studies". Now she will study English and French and plans to go to America in the summer.
"When I was in school, I wanted to know all the laws," says third-year student Madina Sayatova. "Initially, I wanted to enroll in Astana, but lacked a point on the UNT, so I came here. I'm from Pavlodar. After graduation, I plan to apply for a master's degree."
Students address their issues to bank employees, who help solve problems. However, if there are academic difficulties, they have to find solutions independently, as assistance with exams or transfers is not provided. They must apply themselves and prepare diligently.
However, as Sarsenov notes, some students, despite the opportunity, refuse to use it, simply dropping out. Reasons vary: girls may start families, and boys receive long-awaited apartments from the state or simply lack motivation to study.
"We offered them academic leave or part-time study options. When they did not agree, we replaced them with new students. We are not chasing numbers—we started with five students and added 7–8 each year. As of now, 27 are studying, with one graduate already working in our bank," says Eldar Sarsenov.
Students from different cities of Kazakhstan receive temporary housing—hostels. This solution was designed for them to bond and be under the supervision of senior peers. Students from Almaty typically live in youth homes.
"The project proposed by Nurbank is a great righteous cause. One approach is to formalize and fund, but the bank works with students over several years, engages and supports them voluntarily. The bank assumes responsibilities uncharacteristic of a financial institution. It's about more than just financial support; it's about human support," notes Caspian University rector Zholdasbek Muslimuly Nusenov.
Additionally, to start the academic year, the bank launched another program—a chance for students on a commercial basis to receive a grant or tuition discount.
Students had to participate in the "Nur Challenge" contest, which included several stages. At each stage, students, divided into groups, performed various tasks—earning money, organizing flash mobs, making pranks, etc.
The winning team received various tuition discounts. For instance, Nursultan Zhansseitov got a 100% tuition discount at Caspian University, while Valery Sveshnikov received a 50% discount.
"One task was to trade a pen for something useful. I traded it several times and eventually brought an old camera to the university. When we found out its worth, it turned out to be valued at 140,000 dollars!", shares Valery.
"This is a great opportunity," the university rector believes. "It allows students to receive education under preferential conditions. We gave students a chance to showcase their creativity, knowledge, and skills. Half the success is the desire."