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NNEF Public Foundation

Founding Vision

Dinara Kulibayeva founded the NNEF Public Foundation in 1998, with a mission that would shape Kazakhstan’s next generation. Her vision was both ambitious and deeply personal: to bring international standards to local schools while preserving their cultural identity.

Dinara has personally guided and invested in its growth, with the conviction that every child in Kazakhstan deserves access to modern, inspiring, world-class learning.

Its structure includes: MIRAS kindergartens in Astana, Almaty, and Atyrau; MIRAS International Schools in Astana and Almaty; the International School of Almaty; Arystan Specialized Lyceum; and Kazakhstan’s leading universities – Kazakh-British Technical University, Astana IT University, the International Information Technology University, and Gumarbek Daukeyev Energo University.

To date, NNEF has invested more than $250 million in developing educational infrastructure, academic programmes, and opportunities through its educational ecosystem.

Key Initiatives

MIRAS International Schools and Higher Education

Under Dinara’s leadership, the MIRAS International Schools became pioneers of modern education in Kazakhstan. They were among the first to bring the International Baccalaureate to the country, carefully integrating it with national standards.

Arystan Specialized Lyceum

The Arystan Specialized Lyceum is a military‑oriented boarding school established by the Foundation in 2011 to provide boys from low-income and large families across Kazakhstan with a rigorous academic and leadership‑focused education.

It offers a fully funded experience – covering schooling, accommodation, meals, and uniforms – with priority given to students from socially vulnerable groups.

The school’s graduates have a strong track record of continuing their education at leading national and international universities as well as entering defence and public‑service careers.

SOS Children’s Villages Kazakhstan

When Dinara Kulibayeva brought SOS Children’s Villages under NNEF’s care in 2018, she strengthened one of the country’s most important social support systems. This also contributed to the further development of preventive and crisis-response services, including the Asar Crisis Centre and the Centre for Social and Psychological Support for Children, helping vulnerable children and families receive timely protection and assistance.

Her involvement ensured that children growing up without parental care would receive not only shelter and education but also emotional security and long-term developmental support.