What Exactly Does Interlink Do? - Business

Posted by Beth Turnock, Interim Director

Over the years the business department has evolved into what it is today. Early on the business department provided training to local people on how to start a business using ethical business principles. Economically Kazakhstan is growing quickly and there are many new business opportunities for local people and foreign investors. One of the challenges we face is to promote a more ethical business model since there is often a thread of corruption that weaves itself through most all business ventures. As we hear the president's commitment to curtail the corruption it is our hope that we will see positive changes in this area.

Some of our business initiatives with a lasting impact include assisting with the start-up of the Interlingua English School and a woodworking shop at a local orphanage. This woodworking shop has allowed the youth to learn a valuable skill, they are able to make furniture for their orphanage and contract for other jobs for schools and orphanages. More recently the business department has shifted focus on supporting the work of the Youth Impact program. We are in the process of developing curriculum for youth on how to start their own businesses and completing curriculum on employment skills. In addition to this we are looking at starting a for-profit business here in order to provide employment training for youth as well as make a profit which can go back into supporting our overall work. We are excited to see how the business
department will grow in the next few years and give back to the community.