#Kazakhstan #Almaty #Autism Support #Bulat Utemuratov #RAOUL Charity

New Supported Employment Program for Autistic Youth in Kazakhstan

In an inspiring move to empower young individuals with autism, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, alongside the RAOUL Charity Foundation, has unveiled a new supported employment program in Kazakhstan. This initiative aims to create a structured pathway into the workforce for autistic youth, addressing significant barriers they often face in achieving meaningful employment.

Objectives of the Program

The primary goal of this program is to develop a practical and scalable model that facilitates successful entry into the professional world for young people on the autism spectrum. The initiative seeks to expand access to meaningful job opportunities while enhancing the expertise of specialists working in the field. Moreover, it aims to introduce internationally recognized practices of supported employment into Kazakhstan's social service system.

Ainur Karbozova, the Executive Director of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, highlighted the importance of this program, stating, "For us, this program represents a significant step forward in improving opportunities for young individuals with autism in Kazakhstan. Employment can be one of the greatest challenges faced during the transition into adulthood. Our objective is to develop a sustainable model that allows them to reach their potential while also assisting employers in creating inclusive work environments."

Role of the RAOUL Charity Foundation

The RAOUL Charity Foundation will serve as the methodology and training partner for this initiative. Utilizing their international expertise in supported employment, they will adapt global best practices for local implementation. They will also offer training for job coaches, provide ongoing supervision, and support the monitoring and quality framework of the program.

Mikhail Krivonos, an international partner at the RAOUL Charity Foundation, emphasized the partnership’s commitment, stating, "This collaboration is about turning long-term support into sustainable opportunities. We believe in the capabilities and potential of individuals. Together, we aim to ensure that sustainable employment becomes a realistic and attainable goal for young people with autism in Kazakhstan."

Program Implementation

The pilot phase of the program will involve young autistic individuals and employers from various sectors, including telecommunications, retail, services, and logistics. It will be implemented with the methodological support of the RAOUL Charity Foundation and in collaboration with Beeline Kazakhstan and the Association of Social Innovators. Participants will receive personalized assessments, tailored training, and occupational profiles aligned with actual job openings, as well as assistance in entering the open job market.

Since its inception in 2015, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has established a nationwide support system for children with autism and their families. Through its network of 13 Miras shelters across 12 cities, the foundation has assisted over 20,000 children in the past decade. This new employment program marks an extension of their long-term commitment into adulthood, focusing on permanent social and professional integration.

As the program progresses, the partners plan to exchange findings and insights to expand the model to other regions within Kazakhstan, ensuring that the positive impact of this initiative reaches as many young people as possible.

For more information, interested parties can refer to the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation's official communication channels.