Gulnaz Kordanova, a native of the city of Shymkent, is a passionate advocate for equal access to quality education in the digital age. After completing her early education, Gulnaz's thirst for knowledge led her to pursue higher studies in Almaty at Abay pedagogical University. It was during her time at the university that she became acutely aware of the disparities in educational resources and opportunities between students from major cities and those from smaller towns and villages. This realization sparked a passion within her to address this inequality and provide every child with access to a high-quality education.
Gulnaz Kordanova's journey towards transforming education in Kazakhstan is grounded in her strong educational background. She continued her academic path at Nazarbayev University, a prestigious institution known for its focus on innovation and global standards of education. Further, with a strong desire to learn from the best, she pursued her graduate studies at Harvard University, renowned worldwide for its academic excellence and rigorous programs. At Harvard, Gulnaz immersed herself in a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment, where she engaged with leading scholars and professionals in the field of education.
Gulnaz emphasizes the significance of providing every child with access to technology, recognizing the critical role it plays in education. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the disparities in technology access in Kazakhstani schools, leaving many children without the means to engage in remote learning. Gulnaz believes that access to technology, which was once considered a privilege, has now become a necessity. To bridge this digital divide, Gulnaz's mission involves ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the necessary tools such as computers or laptops to access educational opportunities.
Building on her experience with Teach for Kazakhstan, Gulnaz continues her mission through Connect-Ed, an innovative project she spearheaded. The primary goal of Teach For Kazakhstan NGO is to enhance the professional development of teachers working in rural schools, and Connect-Ed is a key part of achieving this objective. Connect-Ed focuses on using technology to empower children and enhance their educational experiences. Connect-Ed addresses two key areas: providing access to technology and fostering the development of digital skills. Gulnaz and her team are diligently delivering courses that prioritize the development of key digital literacy competencies. The goal is to make these courses widely accessible to all children, regardless of their background or location. Through these course programs, children are introduced to essential software applications, learn how to effectively use the internet, and understand the importance of digital communication. The aim is to empower children to become confident and responsible users of digital technology.
Gulnaz Kordanova is a strong proponent of the solidarity economy, a concept that emphasizes collective action and alternative solutions. She believes in the power of individuals coming together to create change and address societal challenges. In line with this belief, Gulnaz actively encourages individuals and organizations to donate their unused devices, such as laptops and computers, to provide technology access to underprivileged children. This culture of solidarity economy, where people unite for a common cause, enables Connect-Ed to expand its reach and impact.
Gulnaz's vision extends beyond providing access to technology and digital skills. She seeks to foster a holistic educational experience that empowers children to think critically, collaborate, and create. Through Connect-Ed, Gulnaz incorporates project-based learning and encourages children to explore their passions, develop their own digital projects, and share their knowledge with others. By nurturing these skills, Gulnaz is cultivating a technologically-fluent generation that is not only adept at using technology but also capable of leveraging it for innovation and social impact.
Now, recognizing the importance of governmental involvement, Gulnaz seeks to establish a partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development and the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan to further expand the reach and impact of Connect-Ed. Through this collaboration, Gulnaz aims to advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize digital inclusion and equitable access to technology in education. Her vision is to create a brighter future for all children in Kazakhstan, where access to technology and quality education are no longer privileges but fundamental rights.
Gulnaz Kordanova stands as a true champion for equal access to quality education in Kazakhstan. Her journey, fueled by her own experiences and the disparities she witnessed, has driven her to create meaningful change in the lives of children across the country. With the power of solidarity economy and collective action, Gulnaz inspires others to join her in fostering digital literacy for all and shaping a technologically-empowered future for Kazakhstan.
Gulnaz Kordanova
