Development of the potential of hub schools in rural areas

The project focuses on developing the potential of hub schools by introducing best teaching practices, upgrading infrastructure, and creating opportunities for teachers’ professional growth. The primary goal is to enhance the quality of education in rural schools and transform them into resource centers for nearby small-scale schools.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with financial support from the "Qazaqstan Halqyna" Public Foundation and methodological support from Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools AEO. Schools are selected based on logistics, staffing levels (at least 90%), and student enrollment (over 300 students).

Each hub school undergoes:
Assessment of education quality
Inventory of physical resources
Analysis of teachers’ professional development needs

Based on these assessments, a tailored development plan is created, including:
Teacher training and internships
Infrastructure modernization
Methodological support over three years
Upgraded Facilities
Hub schools are equipped with:

Modern classrooms for physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science
STEM labs and engineering workshops
Robotics and programming rooms
TV studios and creative workshops
These facilities provide opportunities for scientific research, project-based learning, and the development of critical thinking, systemic problem-solving, and engineering skills among students.

Between 2022 and 2024, 135 hub schools were modernized (4,665 classrooms).
In 2025, an additional 56 schools (1,935 classrooms) will be included.
The hub school network will consist of 191 schools with 6,600 upgraded classrooms.
Investment and Impact
The project has attracted 47.75 billion tenge in social investments.

Outcomes include:

Training 6,000 teachers
Conducting over 3,000 methodological events
Producing 104,000 independent student knowledge monitoring reports
This initiative creates a sustainable foundation for education development and helps unlock the potential of children in rural areas.

Technologies used in the Project
The project incorporates modern educational technologies to create an advanced learning environment.

AI-Based Tools

Roqed platform: Integrated into select schools, this platform uses AI to automatically generate lesson plans and interactive educational materials, helping teachers streamline lesson preparation.
Teacher training: Educators are trained to use AI tools, including automated data analysis systems, as part of partnerships with equipment suppliers.
Google for Education technologies

One school has been equipped with Chromebooks and trained to use Google tools, aiming to establish a Google Reference School. These tools automate learning processes, individualize student approaches, and develop technological skills.
STEM and Robotics

STEM and Robotics Labs: Equipped with modern programmable platforms such as Arduino and Lego Education, along with project-oriented equipment, these labs allow students to explore engineering and scientific principles through hands-on learning.
These technologies foster critical thinking, project-based skills, and creativity in students.
The project actively experiments with technology integration, providing schools with tools to pilot and refine educational processes. Even within limited pilot implementations, significant potential for scaling these solutions has been demonstrated.

Working solution

Education

Before our project, providers of educational solutions in the Kazakhstani market had not implemented projects for entire schools. Typically, they only covered parts of a school. Our project has changed the way suppliers work. Now, they are capable of outfitting entire schools, including all classrooms.

Our project has also influenced the translation of educational materials for the equipment supplied to schools in Kazakhstan.

In 135 hub schools, 4,665 modernized classrooms were installed. Additionally, 37 teachers from hub schools became winners of national teaching competitions, 219 students were recognized as winners of national and international academic competitions, and 18 students successfully passed the competitive selection for Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS).

According to the results of independent external monitoring of student knowledge conducted in 79 rural schools, the academic performance of 4th-grade students improved by 16.4%, while that of 8th-grade students increased by 7.5%.

Methodological recommendations titled "Mechanisms for Supporting Rural Schools to Improve Education Quality" were prepared and assigned an ISBN.

Systematic approach

The project addresses all aspects of the educational process: diagnosing school needs, upgrading infrastructure, developing individualized development plans, and providing long-term methodological support.
Unlike one-off initiatives, the project establishes a sustainable model for improving education quality, which can be scaled further.
Integration of innovations

Equipping schools with modern STEM labs, robotics rooms, ceramics workshops, TV studios, and other resources not only enhances technical infrastructure but also creates opportunities for interdisciplinary integration, creative learning, and project-based education.
The use of technologies such as AI-powered platforms (e.g., Roqed) and Google for Education tools makes the learning process more efficient and personalized.
Resource centers

Each hub school serves as a growth hub for nearby small rural schools, providing them with methodological, material, and staffing support. This establishes a sustainable educational ecosystem in the regions.
Broad reach

The project has modernized over 130 schools nationwide. As a result, more than 6,600 classrooms have been updated, making it one of the largest education projects in the country.
Social significance

The project aims to bridge the educational gap between urban and rural schools, promoting social equity and strengthening the potential of rural regions.
Support and partnerships

The project’s uniqueness lies in its active collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the "Qazaqstan Halqyna" Public Foundation, and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools AEO, ensuring high-quality implementation and earning the trust of the education community.

Project scaling
Modernization of extracurricular education facilities

Upgrading infrastructure: We plan to modernize the infrastructure of extracurricular education centers nationwide, providing students with access to high-quality after-school activities. This step aims to establish a comprehensive learning cycle encompassing school education, talent development, and the cultivation of creative and practical skills.
Creating a Unified educational ecosystem: The integration of hub schools, small rural schools, and extracurricular education facilities into a unified network is planned. Each component will complement the others, ensuring continuity, resource sharing, and equal opportunities for all students.
Advancement of digital technologies in education

Scaling Google for education in Kazakhstan: We will expand the Google Reference Schools initiative, increasing the number of schools operating on the Google for Education platform. This will automate processes, enhance access to modern technologies, and improve digital literacy, preparing students for future challenges.
AI integration: Plans include expanding the use of AI in educational processes to create personalized learning plans, monitor academic performance, and support teachers.
Expanding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives

Focus on sustainability: We see significant potential in scaling projects aimed at environmental, social, and governance development. Examples include implementing environmental education programs, energy-saving projects, and adopting “green” technologies in schools. These efforts will foster an environmentally responsible generation.
International collaboration

Strengthening partnerships: We aim to enhance cooperation with global educational initiatives such as Google, UNESCO, and UNICEF to bring innovations and advanced methodologies to Kazakhstan’s education system.
Building a Network of 200 Schools

We plan to expand the project to establish a network of 200 schools, creating a comprehensive, interconnected educational framework.

Qazaqstan Halqyna Public Foundation, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, Aitas Group, Ministry of Education, Beeline, and KazZinc.