In December 2021, the international technopark of IT startups Astana Hub held a competition for the best technological solution to the social problem of the region Idea Battle. Out of 46 applications, 3 ideas were selected, the authors of which received a monetary reward in the amount of 200 thousand tenge. The ideas of accessibility of the urban environment, creation of additional sources of moisture and teaching middle-aged and elderly people (from 48 to 68 years old) computer literacy were recognized as the best. 

One of the finalists of the contest is the author of the project “EJAKSU” Aruzhan Abdirzhan, an 18-year-old resident of the city of Kyzylorda, who drew attention to the fact that during the pandemic, middle-aged and elderly people found themselves not only in social, but also in information isolation. Lack of computer skills and social networking capabilities prevented them from receiving the necessary services and information.

"EJAKSU” is an abbreviation (“egde zhastagy adamdardy computerlik sauattylykka uyretu”) and reflects the goal of the project – teaching middle–aged and elderly people computer literacy.

Aruzhan together with 10 volunteers conducted training sessions for 10 participants. Also, a chat was created especially for them, where everyone can ask questions about computer literacy and get online advice from volunteers. 

Participants received memorable gifts – certificates of computer literacy training, T-shirts and a book “How to master a laptop in 8 simple steps".

In February 2022, Aruzhan plans to conduct 3 additional online lessons on ZOOM on how not to become a victim of Internet fraud, how to use Internet banking, how to store a backup copy of bulk data in the cloud and which mobile applications can make life easier for middle-aged and elderly Kyzylorda residents. 

The Idea Battle contest covered 15 cities of Kazakhstan: Aktobe, Aktau, Atyrau, Kokshetau, Kostanay, Uralsk, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar, Taraz, Turkestan, Zhezkazgan, Kyzylorda, Petropavlovsk, Taldykorgan and Shymkent. The objectives of the contest are to raise awareness about technology startups, support and encourage socially important IT startups. 

More detailed: https://astanahub.com/article/pobediteli-konkursa-idea-battle-ot-astana-hub-poluchili-po-200-tysiach-tenge-i-dostup-k-obrazovatelnym?locale=ru