92.6 million tenge raised at the first UNICEF gala dinner in Kazakhstan
Funds to support children requiring tailored educational assistance
ASTANA, November 30, 2024 – The first-ever UNICEF gala dinner in Kazakhstan titled ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ raised 92.6 million tenge. The proceeds will support a digital inclusion programme benefiting over 2,000 children requiring tailored educational assistance, helping them develop digital skills all while promoting inclusive education.
Hosted at the St. Regis Astana, the gala dinner embodied the UNICEF global tradition of bringing together leaders from business, culture, and the arts. Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan, highlighted: "We are proud that this event brought together so many people committed to supporting children. Through partnerships with businesses, we can expand access to inclusive education, creating opportunities for all children to unlock their potential. Together, we can build a world where every child's rights are protected."
The digital inclusion programme has already shown promising results in pilot regions across Kazakhstan. Since 2021, 131 visually impaired teenagers have acquired essential digital skills. This initiative has provided laptops, smartphones, and specialized software to the visually impaired, as well as training to instructors for visually impaired students. These efforts have enabled children to gain independence, improve their access to education, and pursue opportunities for higher education.
The evening featured an auction with unique items such as a chapan (traditional robe), an anthology from the collection of legendary singer Bibigul Tulegenova, a cycling jersey signed by professional cyclist Mark Cavendish, a painting by Kazakh artist Zeynep Tusipova, and a tennis racket autographed by Elena Rybakina. Highlights of the night included performances by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Ninety One, a children’s choir, and soloists from the Astana Opera, among other artists, making the evening unforgettable. Guests also participated in a raffle with valuable prizes donated by event partners.
Special thanks go to Bibigul Tulegenova, Nurlan Smagulov, Mark Cavendish, Nazym Kyzaibai, Toyota Motor Kazakhstan LLP, Alpisbai Kazygulov, Airelle, Tamerlan Tles, Daulet Urankhaev, the Kazakhstan Football Federation, Baurzhan Sagiev, and the FARRO and DAMIANI Jewelry Houses for their unique auction contributions.
We also extend our gratitude to the companies that provided raffle prizes and supported the charitable evening, including Turkish Airlines, Sheraton Hotel Astana, Rixos Borovoe, G&G, and the St. Regis Astana, for their exceptional hospitality. Special thanks to ZAVOD Events Agency for organizing the event, Argymaq for creating exclusive guest gifts, and the Astana Opera, Mystery Astana, VELADA Model Agency & Model School, Bala Time, and Orda Music for their active support.
Media Partners: MYD Production, MEGA, Good Project, Tatler Kazakhstan magazine, WeProject.media, PR Drive online journal, Freedom Ticketon, and TAJ Magazine.
The funds raised will help equip children with essential educational tools and specialized software, empowering them to become more independent and confident.
Details about project outcomes will be published on unicef.org/kazakhstan.
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UNICEF is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of every child. Together with its partners, UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories to fulfill its commitments, with a focus on reaching the most disadvantaged and isolated children, for the benefit of children everywhere.
UNICEF is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from governments, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, businesses, and individuals. This diverse funding enables UNICEF to allocate resources flexibly and effectively to support children, especially the most vulnerable – those without families, affected by violence, or deprived of education or healthcare. In addition to financial contributions, UNICEF welcomes support through volunteer time, expert collaborations, and information partnerships. Funds are allocated to three key areas: immediate assistance, project funding, and emergency response. This approach ensures timely and targeted use of resources, allowing UNICEF to assist children worldwide.
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Annual reports are available at unicef.org/kazakhstan.
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