When Maulen Akhmetov, a freshman at Nazarbayev University, first thought about opening a social caf\u00e9, his idea seemed impossible. He dreamed of creating a space where people with mental disabilities could feel like a part of society \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
As part of our \u201cBuild Your Business\u201d competition, the Foundation supported Maulen not only financially but also morally \u2014 at the very moment when his project needed its first push. Back then, eight years ago, it was just a small caf\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n
A warm meeting recently took place between the Foundation\u2019s President, Assel Imangalievna, and Maulen \u2014 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 \u2014 when no one else believed in him, the Saby Foundation gave him a chance.<\/p>\n
We recorded this heartfelt conversation about belief, perseverance, and the true purpose of social initiatives.<\/p>\n
Watch a short interview with Maulen.<\/p>\n