New approaches in helping young people of the NEET category

With the support of the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the corporate fund «Bolashak» in West Kazakhstan province implemented a social project aimed at supporting youth of the NEET category.

On questions who belongs to the category of NEET and how their problems are solved, we were told by the director of the Corporate Fund «Bolashak» for the West-Kazakhstan region Saltanat Tumanbaeva.

"The goal of the project is to support young people of the NEET category. We are trying to help young people become more active and motivated. NEET are young people who, due to various economic or social factors, do not work. They are outside the education system and the sphere of employment," Saltanat Tumanbayeva said.

Within the project, a Republican Project Office has been established, where young kazakhs receive answers to questions of interest relating to the acquisition of housing, employment and the receipt of State grants for young people.

"In general, more than 10 thousand young people received consultations. A memorandum of cooperation was also signed with the organization "Jas Otan" for the qualitative implementation of the project in 17 regions of the republic. We hold various events aimed at the professional improvement of young people of the NEET category, their employment, involvement in sports," Saltanat Tumanbayeva notes.

Within the framework of the project, a manual was compiled with practical recommendations for socialization and targeted work with young people of the NEET category. This manual is addressed to State bodies, non-governmental organizations, youth resource centers and all interested persons.

The author's program of training professional and life skills of NEET youth in the format of a 21-day marathon was also developed. The peculiarity of the program is the application of modern trends.

"It is worth admitting that not all young Kazakhs want to study or work. No one can force a person to change his life until he wants to. People with an active lifestyle also took part in our seminars. And they can become a reference point for those who cannot find their vacation," says Saltanat Tumanbayeva.

According to her, events of various formats were held for young people: TEDx meetings, master classes, training to improve skills and competencies.

The program of training in professional and life skills was developed within the framework of the project "Development and implementation of measures for the socialization of young people not involved in the educational process and employment" with the support of the Ministry of Information and Public Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.