Career Guidance Course for Girls from Kazakhstan
Empowering girls to discover their unique paths and dream careers
What You Will Learn on the Course
Unleash your potential and discover a path that aligns with your values, interests, and talents.
Self-discovery: Delve into a deep understanding of your unique values, interests, and talents, gaining clarity on your purpose and how it can positively impact the world.
Overcome limiting beliefs: Shed beliefs, restricting attitude, fears, and biases that hinder your progress, empowering yourself to embrace your full potential.
Craft a personalized roadmap: Develop a comprehensive 5-year plan aligned with your dreams and aspirations, setting a clear path towards achieving your goals.
Build a supportive network: Connect with like-minded individuals and supportive peers who share your passions and encourage your growth.
Explore future-proof careers: Gain insights into emerging professions and the skills required to thrive in the dynamic world of work.
Seek mentorship and guidance: Identify mentors and advisors who can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate your career journey.
Immerse yourself in global education: Discover world-class universities in Singapore and explore their academic programs and scholarship opportunities.
Djamilya Taher
Hi everyone, my name is Djamilya!
I started this course with the help of some amazing women from Kazakhstan who inspire me every day. I'm actually from Kazakhstan myself. Right now, I live in Singapore.
I started this course with the help of some amazing women from Kazakhstan who inspire me every day. I'm actually from Kazakhstan myself. Right now, I live in Singapore.
- I am 14 years old and attend the Singapore School of the Arts, majoring in Literary Arts.
- My family immigrated from Kazakhstan when I was two.
- I have the privilege of receiving a world-class education, which allows me to develop holistically and share my experiences.
- I am interested in gender equality, the history of international relations, and contemporary legal issues..
COURSE Outline
Eraz Community is a career guidance course for teenage girls (14-16 years old) from Kazakhstan who want to believe in themselves, their strengths and fulfil their dreams of becoming professionals in various fields.
This 2 month-long training is for those who desire to be financially independent from their parents and spouses in the future, ready to take responsibility for their lives, choosing their profession and their own place in life.
This training is for girls who want to expand their horizons in the literal sense - after all, at the end of the course, the most active and diligent participants will have a week-long trip to Singapore and communicate with girls of the same age, as well as successful women who managed to achieve success in various sectors of activity.
At the end of the course, each girl will be able to identify their strengths, be more certiain of their professional direction, and gain motivation to study English in depth, and gain motivation to study English in depth, as it is the base language for the whole global academic and professional front. In addition to communicating with Singaporeans, Kazakh girls have the opportunity to visit several universities in Singapore - a country with a high level of income, security and and lack of corruption, and will have a chance to explore more options for their future studies.
Our project goal: Creating a community of like-minded girls, ready for any turn of fate due to their stable life principles and proper education. Creating a new sense of self as a unique young nation without the pressures of colonialism, religion and patriarchy through education, critical thinking and self-sufficiency.
This 2 month-long training is for those who desire to be financially independent from their parents and spouses in the future, ready to take responsibility for their lives, choosing their profession and their own place in life.
This training is for girls who want to expand their horizons in the literal sense - after all, at the end of the course, the most active and diligent participants will have a week-long trip to Singapore and communicate with girls of the same age, as well as successful women who managed to achieve success in various sectors of activity.
At the end of the course, each girl will be able to identify their strengths, be more certiain of their professional direction, and gain motivation to study English in depth, and gain motivation to study English in depth, as it is the base language for the whole global academic and professional front. In addition to communicating with Singaporeans, Kazakh girls have the opportunity to visit several universities in Singapore - a country with a high level of income, security and and lack of corruption, and will have a chance to explore more options for their future studies.
Our project goal: Creating a community of like-minded girls, ready for any turn of fate due to their stable life principles and proper education. Creating a new sense of self as a unique young nation without the pressures of colonialism, religion and patriarchy through education, critical thinking and self-sufficiency.
Selection Process
1
Eligibility:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be female citizens of Kazakhstan.
- Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 16 as of the course start date (girls born in 2008, 2009, and 2010 are eligible for the 2024 courses).
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must have intermediate English language proficiency.
2
Application Process:
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form provided by the course organizers.
Submit a 5-Minute Video: Record a 5-minute video in Kazakh, Russian, or English about yourself and your dreams. The video should be unscripted and spoken in your own words. Do showcase your dreams and aspirations, as well as details about yourself in a creative and engaging manner.
Video requirements:
Background: White or light-colored, well-lit.
Framing: The upper part of your body should be fully visible.
Editing: The video should be recorded without editing or cuts.
Orientation: The video should be recorded in horizontal orientation.
Reading aids: The use of reading aids is not permitted.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form provided by the course organizers.
Submit a 5-Minute Video: Record a 5-minute video in Kazakh, Russian, or English about yourself and your dreams. The video should be unscripted and spoken in your own words. Do showcase your dreams and aspirations, as well as details about yourself in a creative and engaging manner.
Video requirements:
Background: White or light-colored, well-lit.
Framing: The upper part of your body should be fully visible.
Editing: The video should be recorded without editing or cuts.
Orientation: The video should be recorded in horizontal orientation.
Reading aids: The use of reading aids is not permitted.
3
Await Selection: The selection committee will review applications and videos to identify suitable candidates.
Upon selecting 10 participants, an immersive 8-week program will commence, featuring a new module each week for a self-paced exploration by employing video-recorded sessions, which will be complemented by engaging online discussions on weekends.
Upon selecting 10 participants, an immersive 8-week program will commence, featuring a new module each week for a self-paced exploration by employing video-recorded sessions, which will be complemented by engaging online discussions on weekends.
Selection Process for the
Free Singapore Summer Camp in June 2025:
1
Completion of the Main Course: Participant must have successfully completed the main career guidance course.
Project Submission: After completing the main course, each participant must submit a project/paper based on the topic “How I am pursuing my dream”. Participants should incorporate the skills and guidance they received from the course and various mentors.
Project Submission: After completing the main course, each participant must submit a project/paper based on the topic “How I am pursuing my dream”. Participants should incorporate the skills and guidance they received from the course and various mentors.
2
Mentor and Course Developer Voting: One or two girls from each course cohort (each group of girls) will be selected based on a collective vote held by the various mentors and course creators.
3
Sponsorship and Camp Coverage:
- Full Sponsorship: The trip to Singapore will be fully sponsored, covering:
- Visa support
- Round-trip airfare from Kazakhstan to Singapore
- Shared dormitory accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Meals
- Excursions
- Group supervision
- Speaker fees
MENTORS
- Saule ImanovaSingapore
- Consultant at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.
- Bachelor's degree from Karaganda State University (Kazakhstan), Master's degrees from the University of Reading (UK) and Columbia University (USA).
- Over 20 years in finance, focusing on emerging markets, particularly direct investments, corporate and project finance, strategic consulting, and public-private partnership structuring.
- Interests: Promoting direct investments in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region.
- Hobbies: Art, cooking, and scuba diving.
- Altynаi ArapovaPhilippines
- Economist in the Central and West Asia Department at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- Bachelor's degree from American University (USA), Master's degree from Columbia University (USA).
- 20 years in macroeconomic research, trade policy, agriculture, food security, energy, and ESG standards.
- Interests: Mother of three, enjoys reading, swimming, and teaching her children piano.
- Hobbies: Long-distance running and swimming.
- Assel ZhumagaliSingapore
- Manager, Europe and Central Asia Private Banking Department at DBS Bank (Singapore).
- Bachelor's degree from Kazakh National University (Kazakhstan), Master's degrees from Columbia University (USA) and the National University of Singapore.
- Experience in managing capital and securities for private investors and their holding companies, as well as treasury and risk management.
- Interests: Strengthening financial, economic, and cultural ties in Central Asia.
- Hobbies: Dancing, singing, knitting, tennis, swimming, yoga, and organizing extracurricular activities for her four children.
- Altynаi BidibеkovaUSA
- Financial auditor, expert in fraud detection at the Northampton County Controller's Office in Pennsylvania;
- Bachelor's degree from KIMEP University (Kazakhstan), Master's degree from Columbia University (USA);
- Experience in financial auditing, audit planning and evaluation under international standards, internal auditing, data analysis, and risk management;
- Served in the US Army with an Honorable Discharge;
- Interests: addressing homelessness, the nuances of simultaneous interpretation;
- Hobbies: songwriting and performance with four daughters, writing short stories.
- Gaukhar SmailovaKazakhstan
- Nutritionist with over 6 years of practical experience in private practice, specializing in restoring gut health, hormonal balance, and anti-aging support;
- Bachelor's and Master's degrees from KIMEP University (Kazakhstan), New York University (USA), and Nazarbayev University School of Medicine (Kazakhstan);
- 10 years of experience in financial analysis and investment project evaluation;
- Interests: developing the blog @nutritionforliving;
- Hobbies: vintage, history, needlework (felting), indoor gardening, and spending time with three children.
- Inkar AitkuzhinaGermany
- Senior Data Analyst in the Technology and Data Analytics division of a leading consulting firm (Germany);
- Bachelor's degree from Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan), Master's degree from the National University of Singapore;
- Founder of the first English-language debate academy in Central Asia, participant in the World Universities Debating Championship, coach of the Kazakh national team at the World Schools Debating Championship;
- Interests: a strong advocate for gender equality, inclusivity, and decolonization, as well as helping homeless animals;
- Hobbies: photography, travel.
- Roza YegizbayevaSingapore
- Visionary behind the Eraz Community project;
- Co-Founder of Creative Minds Group, specializing in early childhood development, English language courses for children, teens, and adults, and IELTS preparation;
- 25 years of practical teaching experience in English and Kazakh in Kazakhstani schools and universities;
- 17 years of leadership experience in the Kazakhstani insurance industry;
- Specialist diploma from Almaty Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages (USSR);
- Interests: developing education in Kazakhstan, creating a methodology for teaching Kazakh and English to preschoolers;
- Hobbies: cooking, yoga, table tennis, and travel.
- Dinara KenessaryUnited Kingdom
- Corporate Treasurer with over 20 years of experience in large multinational corporations;
- Bachelor's degree from Almaty State University (Kazakhstan), Master's degree from the University of Reading (UK);
- Interests: advancing artificial intelligence in corporate governance and treasury operations;
- Hobbies: sewing and design, yoga, dancing, language learning, and all aspects of motherhood.
- Sholpan PrimbetovaKazakhstan
- Deputy Regional Director, Center for Global Health Studies in Central Asia at Columbia University (USA); Vice President, Center for Scientific and Practical Initiatives; Country Director, Central Eurasian Leadership Alliance (Kazakhstan);
- Bachelor’s degrees from South Kazakhstan Medical Academy and South Kazakhstan Humanitarian Institute (Kazakhstan), Master’s degree from Columbia University (USA);
- Experience in managing social and research projects, conducting biobehavioral health research, focusing on women’s rights and protection, gender-based violence against women, access to healthcare, and working with vulnerable populations in Central Asia;
- Interests: building research capacity, strengthening medical, social, and cultural ties in Central Asia;
- Hobbies: travel, dance, indoor plants, yoga, esotericism, and spiritual practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's an online course designed to help teenage girls from Kazakhstan identify their interests, talents, and choose a future profession.
The course lasts 8 weeks with a new module each week for individual, recorded learning and online weekend meetings for discussion.
The course will cover topics such as self-awareness, goal setting, developing leadership qualities, career planning, and the basics of financial literacy.
An Intermediate level of English is required to participate in the course.
To enroll, you need to fill out an online application on the website and go through an interview.
One or two girls from each stream will be selected based on the voting of mentors and course creators.
The trip program includes visits to universities, cultural events, and meetings with successful women.
The next trip is scheduled for the summer of 2025.
The costs of the trip are covered by sponsors.
Complete the Application Form
Submit the completed application form and the 5-minute video by the specified deadline.
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