New Modern School for 900 Students Opens in Yessik

A new school has officially opened in Yessik, Almaty Region. The school was constructed with financial support from ForteBank, a member of Verny Capital Group, and backed by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. The total project cost is KZT 8.1 billion. Upon completion, the school was transferred to the Akim’s Office for Almaty Region at no cost.

The new state-of-the-art school is designed to accommodate 900 students at the same time. The new school not only meets the highest quality standards but is also fully outfitted, with everything from desks and chairs to computers.

Construction of the modern school started in spring 2023 following a call for support from the Akim’s Office for Almaty Region to entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Lack of educational facilities in the region resulted in triple-shift schooling and children being transported by bus to distant locations.

“The number of school-aged children in the region increases by 20,000 annually, and over 50 schools are operating on a triple-shift basis. The pace of new school construction under the State Program is insufficient to meet the increasing demand. We are grateful that private businesses, represented by Verny Capital and the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation responded to our call for assistance and built schools in Yessik and Shelek, where the issue was most critical,” said the Akim of Almaty Region at the opening ceremony.

The school spans 12,9 square meters and consists of three distinct units: one for early education (0 grade), one for primary school students, and another for middle and high school students. Each unit features recreational areas, separate exits to the lobby, an auditorium, and a gymnasium.

The central feature of the school is the lobby, where students can spend their free time and participate in extracurricular activities. Besides, the school is equipped with educational and production workshops, sports and gymnastics halls, a laboratory, a library, a photo and video studio, and a co-working space Students will have access to specialized facilities, including classrooms for IT, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, and a STEM laboratory.

The new school boasts a modern architectural design with advanced technologies and materials, adhering to energy optimization and efficiency standards. All hallways, recreational areas, and corridors are fitted with tactile and informational navigation signs for individuals with reduced mobility.  The school is also equipped with an access control and management system, including Face ID technology.

“Opening new schools on September 1st has become a cherished tradition for our Group. Last year, we inaugurated the first school in Kosshy; today, we are opening schools in Yessik and Shelek. We hope this project will contribute to educational development in the region and help reduce the number of triple-shift schools. We believe these schools will nurture future leaders who will contribute to Kazakhstan’s prosperity,” said Aidan Akanov, General Director of Verny Capital Group.

“Access to education is a pivotal social issue that must be addressed amid a growing population. We are pleased that the children of Yessik will begin this school year in a new facility equipped with everything needed for a comfortable learning environment. By building this school, we aim to contribute to the development of our children and the future of Kazakhstan by fostering intellectual growth in our younger generation,” said Bekzhan Pirmatov, Chairperson of the Board of JSC ForteBank.

The surrounding area features sports and play zones, a field for team sports, and art installations.

All children residing within the school’s catchment area will be admitted free of charge, significantly reducing the need for long daily commutes to remote schools. This is the third school built for the state by Verny Capital Group, following the first school in Kosshy, Akmola Region, and the second school, which opened on 1st September in Shelek Village.