2024 PRME Global Students Sustainability Award

STEAM Battles fosters a passion for learning globally, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all. Our core values are inclusivity, integrity, and perseverance.

Inclusivity means everyone, regardless of race, gender, or other attributes, can fully participate. We champion the right of every person to engage in learning, believing that diverse perspectives enrich the educational experience. By embracing diversity, we create a vibrant learning community and remove barriers to support everyone.

Integrity is our foundation. We value honesty about successes and setbacks to prevent repeated mistakes and promote academic responsibility. Transparent communication builds trust and drives positive change. Academic integrity fosters responsibility within our community. We encourage open dialogue and genuine partnerships built on trust and authenticity. This transparency paves the way for mutual growth.

Perseverance guides us through challenges, driven by our passion for learning. We remain dedicated to our mission, overcoming obstacles with diligence and commitment. In adversity, we choose the most challenging path, fueled by our desire to make a lasting impact. Our perseverance ensures we strive for excellence, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in education. By embodying perseverance, we inspire others to stay committed to their educational journey, no matter the difficulties.

Quality Education: Education is the catalyst for intellectual liberation, imagination, and self-respect. It’s not just a path to prosperity but the key to opportunities, enabling meaningful contributions to society. We believe learning is a universal right that should be accessible to all.

Gender Equality and Reduced Inequalities: Disparities based on income, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, and opportunity hinder social development and poverty reduction. Women and girls, representing half the world’s population, face significant barriers. Gender equality is essential for peaceful societies and sustainable development.

Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land, Life Below Water: We ensure our actions are eco-friendly. We reduce plastic use, prioritize paper reuse, and scrutinize activities for environmental impact. Education drives awareness of these principles, essential for a sustainable environment.

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: We promote peaceful, inclusive societies with accessible justice and accountable institutions. Everyone should live without fear of violence, regardless of ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation. Peace is vital for social and economic development.

Partnership for the Goals: Collaboration with other organizations amplifies our impact. Sharing experiences and collective action are key to achieving shared objectives and positive change beyond individual efforts.

Our student organization is dedicated to fostering collaboration among Canadian international schools, with a focus on promoting STEAM education. In December 2023, we successfully organized STEAM Battles at the Canadian International School in Astana, attracting over 90 participants from across Kazakhstan. This event showcased the practical application of STEAM subjects to real-world challenges, emphasizing teamwork, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. Inspired by its success, we aim to expand globally and collaborate with schools worldwide.

In addition to our STEAM initiatives, we partnered with schools in Canada, Ghana, Mexico, and Qatar to organize a Charity Fair. This event served as a platform for students to showcase and sell goods, engaging over 70 participants and raising $400 in one day. Recognized for our efforts, the Ulytau Foundation awarded us an additional $600, highlighting our commitment to social responsibility and global cooperation.

Participating in these initiatives has been instrumental for our members' academic, professional, and personal development. They have honed leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills while fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.

Our student organization has made a significant impact on both the university ecosystem and local/regional communities through various initiatives and partnerships. Within the university ecosystem, our organization has fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility. By organizing events such as academic competitions, workshops, and networking sessions, we have provided students with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Additionally, our mentorship programs have facilitated knowledge exchange between students, faculty, and industry professionals, enriching the academic experience and preparing students for future careers.

In local and regional communities, our organization has contributed to social, economic, and environmental progress. Through community service projects, charity fundraisers, and volunteering initiatives, we have supported vulnerable populations, promoted education and health awareness, and addressed environmental issues such as waste management and conservation. Our partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and government agencies have enabled us to leverage resources and expertise, maximizing our impact and ensuring sustainability.

Quantitative metrics such as funds raised, volunteer hours logged, and beneficiaries reached demonstrate the tangible outcomes of our efforts. Qualitative feedback from participants, stakeholders, and community members further validates the effectiveness of our initiatives in fostering positive change and building stronger, more resilient communities. Overall, our student organization's work exemplifies our commitment to promoting social good, driving inclusive growth, and fostering responsible leadership within the university ecosystem and beyond.

The work of our student organization serves as a catalyst for comprehensive student development, transcending traditional classroom boundaries and fostering essential skills and competencies among its members. Engaging in student-led initiatives offers invaluable learning opportunities that enrich academic, professional, and personal journeys.

Through active participation in organizing events, managing projects, and assuming leadership roles, students develop crucial skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management. These experiences provide practical applications of theoretical knowledge and enhance students' ability to adapt to diverse challenges in academic and professional settings.

Moreover, involvement in our organization cultivates a sense of responsibility, initiative, and resilience among members. They learn to navigate complex organizational dynamics, negotiate conflicting interests, and make informed decisions to achieve shared goals. These experiences contribute to their personal growth, fostering self-confidence, empathy, and a sense of purpose beyond academic achievements.

Insights from our members highlight the profound impact of their engagement on their overall development. They express gratitude for the opportunities to collaborate with peers, mentors, and external stakeholders, noting how these interactions broaden their perspectives, expand their networks, and inspire lifelong learning.

In essence, our student organization serves as a dynamic learning laboratory where students acquire essential skills, cultivate leadership qualities, and nurture holistic development, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

The work of our student organization has been instrumental in promoting global cooperation by fostering cross-cultural collaboration and addressing shared challenges through innovative and sustainable initiatives. With partnerships established in Canada, Qatar, Mexico, Ghana, and other regions, our organization facilitates diverse cultural exchanges and collective action towards common goals.

One of our flagship projects, focusing on sustainable architecture, exemplifies our commitment to promoting global cooperation. By providing students with the opportunity to explore and create prototype sustainable homes using ecological materials and renewable energy, we integrate interdisciplinary perspectives and encourage innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. This project not only fosters creativity and critical thinking but also promotes cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diverse architectural styles and approaches to sustainability.

The relevance of this project extends beyond cultural contexts, as it addresses universal concerns related to energy efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and community well-being. By engaging students in subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, design, technology, and arts, we empower them to collaborate across disciplines and leverage their collective knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges.

Furthermore, our project encourages students to investigate the impact of sustainable architecture on local communities, fostering a deeper understanding of indigenous knowledge and traditional building practices. Through initiatives like these, our student organization promotes shared learning, mutual respect, and collaboration across borders, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and interconnected world.

1. December 2023

STEAM Battles 1.0

The initiative of STEAM Battles aims to revolutionize the education landscape by equipping high school and middle school students with practical skills, teamwork abilities, and communication competencies essential for their future success. The implementation strategy, that is already underway, involves coordinating efforts amongst various academic institutions globally to transform STEAM Battles into an international endeavor. ​

The second stage of the inaugural event brought together 95 individuals from all over Kazakhstan( Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, and Atyrau) and received over 200 applications to attend the event on the first stage. The preparatory phase took 3 months and included over 30 volunteers. We acquired over 100 KGs of props. The objective of the hands-on project was that each team had to attempt to build a construction that was able to hold the maximum weight of 30 kgs/66 lbs. Moreover, by including the component of financial literacy, specifically practiced through purchasing materials with our inter-olympiad currency we improved the financial literacy skills of all participants.

2. November 2023

Charity Fair

In just one day, our Charity Fair raised $400 to support our organisation's mission. By providing students with a platform to showcase and sell their goods—ranging from pastries to crafted handmade tools—we engaged over 70 individuals in our fundraising efforts. Ulytau Foundation, consequently after witnessing our deeds, bestowed us $600.

3. September-October 2023

Eco Challenge

In the span of 2 months we collaborated with all classes and held an eco-challenge.The eco-challenge aimed to promote sustainability and student agency by implementing an innovative approach that incorporated responsible consumption and production, sustainable communities, and climate action from the SDGs. The primary strategy involved collaborating with all classes and organizing an eco-challenge, where students collected paper, cardboard, and plastic bottles to be used as props for a subsequent event. The initiative resulted in the collection of approximately 100 kgs of paper/cardboard and 50 kg of plastic.

4. May 2024

Event in Canada

Engaging in a project on sustainable architecture, participants were challenged to design prototype sustainable homes within a specified timeframe. The project integrated multiple subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology, design, technology, and community engagement, to offer a holistic exploration of sustainable living. Students applied physics principles such as insulation and energy efficiency to optimize their designs. Chemistry concepts, such as green chemistry and useful chemical reactions, informed material selection for minimal environmental impact. Biological considerations focused on biodiversity preservation and the impact of design on human health and well-being.

In the realm of design, participants examined eco-home design principles and the influence of colors, shapes, and architectural styles on sustainability. They drew inspiration from various architectural eras, including the works of Gaudi. Technology played a vital role, with students integrating sensors and technological tools to enhance sustainability and efficiency.

Furthermore, the project fostered community engagement by exploring the impact of sustainable architecture on local communities. Participants investigated traditional knowledge and techniques used by indigenous peoples, enriching their understanding of culturally relevant sustainability practices. Overall, the project provided a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to sustainable architecture, empowering students to address contemporary environmental challenges through innovative design solutions.

CEOs:

1. Nadira Ryskulova *
2. Ayaru Temenova *

COOs:

1. Ilkham Kuanysh *
2. Kirill Ilyin
3. Ibragim Kazhigaliyev

Logistics department:

1. Alina Akhmadyar

2. Tarikh Ravil

3. Nuray Amanzholova

Videographers:

1. Aimira Sabit

2. Tussupbekov Tolganay

SMM:

1. Daniya Kudaibergenova

2. Denis Kim

3. Tomiris Zhanseit

STEAM chairs :

1. Zere Tleutai

2. Assanali Shabarkhanov

3. Yeldana Yeshmukhanbetova

4. Askarova Amira

5. Alina Akhmadyar

6. Tarikh Ravil

IT department:

1. Rozhkov Nikita 10B

Economics department:

1. Alzhan Tasanov

Art department:

1. Karsakova Tomiris

2. Meruyert Valithkan

3. Sheriyazdan Aizere

4. Amani

5. Amira Issatay