ALMAU STRENGHTENED ITS POSITION IN THE GLOBAL TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION IMPACT RANKING

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities in the world by their missions and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Impact ranking 2020 includes 766 universities from 85 countries, the list is widened comparing to the last year edition (Impact ranking 2019 included 462 universities). Currently the Rankings methodology measures global universities’ success in delivering all 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (in 2019 there were 11 UN SDGs considered).

Kazakhstan is presented by two universities: Almaty Management university ranked in 301-400 and NARXOZ University ranked in 401-600.

AlmaU performance results in following 9 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and is ranked in the global top 200 for UN SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), UN SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) и UN SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals); and in the global top 300 for UN SDG 1 (No Poverty).

In following other UN SDGs AlmaU improved its scores and continues to actively implement Quality education (UN SDG 4), Good Health and Well-being (UN SDG 3), as well as focusing on Industry Innovation and Infrastructure (UN SDG 9), Reduced Inequality (UN SDG 10) and Gender Equality (UN SDG 5).

THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERING BY ALMATY MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY

Within the initiative of President Kassym-Zhomart Tokaev, 2020 was declared the Volunteer’s Year in Kazakhstan. “It is generally accepted that volunteering is a movement that originated in the West, and, they say, it has nothing to do with us. But we all know that the essence of volunteering is to do something from good intentions and it is in line with our national traditions and values. Volunteering is not just free work, but an indicator of citizens' responsibility and readiness to change the world for the better”- Kassym-Zhomart Tokaev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (12/10/2019. Speech at the closing ceremony of “the Year of Youth”).

AlmaU, a socially responsible university, is known to the public for its bright social projects: Charity Wish Tree, MegaChance, etc.)  Since 2016 many projects have been implemented: A platform has been created - a scientific hub for discussing and resolving issues of developing a joint venture in Kazakhstan with the participation of government agencies, NGOs, and social enterprises (round tables, brainstorming, competitions) to determine the best form of ownership for a joint venture and to develop it in Kazakhstan.

Support is given to the aspirations of people with disabilities to overcome social inequality through the acquisition of new knowledge, development of their own business ideas and their careers. Consulting and methodological assistance as a mentor and expert in creating, then developing social projects for people with disabilities, including drafting the concept of new social projects and developing reasonable business plans for participating in competitions. ("Altyn Zhurek 2018" Award). 

Students of Almaty University Management from the first year are involved in volunteer activities. Service Learning is a striking example, the unique discipline in Kazakhstan. Volunteering is primarily a call of the heart. Everyone decides to do this or not.

Since September 1, 2015, Almaty Management University introduced a new discipline into the bachelor's program for first-year students of all specialties, in which the students learn to serve the community and put their knowledge into practice, working in nursing homes, homes for the disabled and other social organizations. The introduction of this course is consistent with the University’s policy aimed at training qualified business professionals who are deeply aware of their civic responsibility to society.

AlmaU is famous for its vibrant and eventful student life, but in addition to entertainment, there is also “DOS” student organization, aimed at developing charity within the walls of the University and promoting charity among students. Club members and all caring students visit orphanages, nursing homes every month, organize charity fairs and concerts, celebrations for children, and also collect clothes for those in need.  

 In addition, the Student Relations Center holds various events annually. For example, a film screening for children from large families, low-income families and orphanages, master classes for children with disabilities, Nauryz celebration, New Year tree and many other activities related to social responsibility. For example, in 2019, AlmaU volunteers helped to organize “I'm With You!”  Charity Ball for wards of the First Children's Hospice in Kazakhstan. Students, employees and teachers took part in the New Year's ball with enthusiasm. Thanks to their kind, sympathetic hearts, the most secret desires and dreams of 97 children were fulfilled! 

Also in 2014, Charity Wish Tree project was launched, in which citizens can fulfill the wishes of children from orphanages or low-income families. Similar wish trees already have stunning success among residents of Almaty and Nur-Sultan. To take part in the project, just go to the tree to pick a leaf with a wish. Everyone, who torn a leaf, bring the gift to the orphanage and personally present it to the child. Moreover, the number of torn leaves is completely unlimited.

Almaty Management University never stands aside and always supports any social initiatives. The university is raising a new generation, which in the future will be able to apply the acquired skills not only in life, but also in professional activities.