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

Employment Opportunities for Autistic Youth in Kazakhstan

In a landmark collaboration, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation and the RAOUL Charity Foundation have announced the launch of a new supported employment program designed for young people with autism in Kazakhstan. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing the socio-economic possibilities for this often-overlooked demographic, acknowledging the significant challenges they face as they transition into adulthood.

The primary goal of this program is to create a structured pathway that is both practical and scalable, enabling autistic young adults to integrate and thrive within professional environments. By focusing on providing meaningful job opportunities, this program aims to empower these individuals, allowing them to harness their potential and contribute positively to society.

Enhancing Employment Access

The initiative is set to broaden access to significant employment opportunities, fostering the skills necessary for success in various sectors. It will also aim to enhance the expertise of social service professionals and introduce internationally recognized supported employment practices into Kazakhstan's social services framework.

According to Ainur Karbozova, the CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, this program signifies a vital advancement in improving employment prospects for autistic youth in the region. She stated, _“As they reach adulthood, finding a job becomes one of the most prominent challenges. Our objective is to foster a sustainable model that allows them to explore their potential while assisting employers in creating inclusive work environments.”_

In this program, the RAOUL Charity Foundation will act as a methodological and training partner, leveraging its international experience in supported employment to localize best practices, train job coaches, and support monitoring and quality frameworks. Mikhail Krivonos, an international partner at the RAOUL Charity Foundation, emphasized that: _“This collaboration seeks to transform long-term support into long-term opportunities. We believe in people's abilities and potential. Together, we aspire to turn sustainable employment into a realistic and achievable phase in the lives of autistic youth in Kazakhstan.”_

Program Implementation and Focus Areas

The pilot phase of the program will engage autistic youth alongside employers from diverse fields, including telecommunications, retail, services, and logistics, among others. Implemented with methodological support from the RAOUL Charity Foundation in partnership with Beeline Kazakhstan and the Association of Social Innovators, participants will receive individualized evaluations, tailored training, and a professional profile aligned with actual job vacancies. Furthermore, they will have assistance in their labor market integration, promoting a smoother transition into the workforce.

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has been a cornerstone in establishing a national support system for children with autism and their families since 2015. Through its extensive network of 13 Asyl Miras centers operating across 12 cities, the Foundation has supported over 20,000 children over the past decade. This new employment program is an extension of its long-term commitment, addressing not only children's needs but also focusing on sustainable social and professional inclusion as they grow into adulthood.

As development continues, the partners intend to share outcomes and perspectives, with plans to expand this employment model to other regions within Kazakhstan. By nurturing an inclusive workforce, the program aims to create a ripple effect that benefits not just individuals, but communities at large.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation and the RAOUL Charity Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for the autistic community in Kazakhstan, aiming to break barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive society.