300 people trained,

82 people employed,

61 people became sole proprietors.

Since 2010, Philip Morris Kazakhstan LLP together with the Institution Polytechnic College, Progress has implemented a project to train adults with disabilities in professional skills in Otegen Batyr village, Ili district, Almaty region. The project also helps participants socialize, giving them the opportunity to become competitive in the labor market, increase their well-being and achieve financial independence.

The social adaptation and rehabilitation of people with special needs is one of the most acute problems of modern society. In 2015, Kazakhstan joined the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Ratification of this convention means a paradigm shift – from social protection of people with disabilities to recognition of rights and the creation of equal conditions.

In different years, specially trained teachers have trained the community on different professions such as tailor, hairdresser, mushroom grower, baker, manicure specialist, shoe repair specialist, and computer literacy. In addition to vocational training, small business development schools and interest clubs were organized to exchange information and experience between students. In 2019, the list of specialties was supplemented by drying vegetables, and work was also begun to bring the products of the programme’s participants to the online market.

During the ten years of the project, 300 people with special needs successfully completed training. Currently, they develop their professional and creative skills, are integrated into society and have the motivation and the necessary knowledge to work.