When Maulen Akhmetov, a freshman at Nazarbayev University, first thought about opening a social café, his idea seemed impossible. He dreamed of creating a space where people with mental disabilities could feel like a part of society — to work, grow, and feel needed. At the time, very few believed this vision could ever become a reality. But among those who did believe was the Saby Foundation.
As part of our “Build Your Business” competition, the Foundation supported Maulen not only financially but also morally — at the very moment when his project needed its first push. Back then, eight years ago, it was just a small café on the university campus. Today, Kunde is a strong and sustainable business that employs dozens of neurodiverse individuals, continues to grow, and inspires social entrepreneurs across the country.
A warm meeting recently took place between the Foundation’s President, Assel Imangalievna, and Maulen — no longer a contest participant, but a successful entrepreneur whose project has changed many lives. Years later, he still remembers how crucial that early support was — when no one else believed in him, the Saby Foundation gave him a chance.
We recorded this heartfelt conversation about belief, perseverance, and the true purpose of social initiatives.
Watch a short interview with Maulen.