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Stepnogorsk’s *Maman Qadam* Initiative Bridges School and Industry for Students

What if high schoolers could test-drive their future careers before choosing college? This bold initiative lets them skip guesswork—and debt—by learning real-world skills first.

Here we can see a couple of children practicing kung fu and at the left side we can see their...
Here we can see a couple of children practicing kung fu and at the left side we can see their master sitting on table and examining

Stepnogorsk’s *Maman Qadam* Initiative Bridges School and Industry for Students

A new educational initiative called Maman Qadam has launched at the Higher College in Stepnogorsk. The programme connects schools, colleges, and local industry to give high school students early exposure to professional skills. It marks the first project of its kind in the region to bridge education and real-world work experience.

The launch event introduced students and guests to the college’s facilities. Visitors toured industrial workshops, classrooms, and laboratories designed for hands-on training. Participants will soon operate modern equipment and work in actual production settings.

The initiative aims to help students explore in-demand careers before committing to further education or student loans. By testing different roles, they can make more informed decisions about their future paths. Senior students at the college already juggle studies with part-time jobs, proving the need for such practical preparation. Maman Qadam is backed by Altynalmas JSC, a local mining company. The project’s name and approach draw inspiration from Orange’s 2019 programme in Morocco, which provided digital training and entrepreneurship support for rural women. Organisers hope this model will similarly empower young people in Stepnogorsk by linking learning to industry needs.

The programme will serve as a direct link between education and employment. Students will gain firsthand experience in professional environments while still in school. For many, it could shape their career choices and ease the transition into the workforce.

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