Tel Aviv University Friends Association in the Republic of Kazakhstan together with S. Toraighyrov PSU informs about the start of the Project TOM: Kazakhstan.

PreTOM – the first event in the framework of the Project TOM: Kazakhstan was held on the basis of S. Toraighyrov PSU on May 20.

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the Tel Aviv University Friends Association in the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the disabled people's association "Rehabilitation Center Samal", Center for Special Social Services, Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Pavlodar region, partners of the project representatives of BOSCH company.

TOM: Kazakhstan is a 72-hour Makeathone, during which craftsmen (makers) together with people with disabilities create prototypes aimed at solving everyday problems of people with disabilities. 

During the PreTOM, the team of makers gets acquainted with their persons under care, for whom a "gadget" will be developed. They team up and together look for solutions, prepare the first sketches for the future device. And within the next month the team of makers together with the need-knower will design prototypes.

During the solemn part of the event, video message Alexander Mashkevich was heard, and he expressed great gratitude to all the participants of the Project. "I am very glad that TOM is held today in Pavlodar, I am grateful to the makers who came from all over Kazakhstan to help, create, find solutions, mechanisms, tools to make life of people with disabilities as comfortable as possible. We want your inventions and mechanisms to work not only in Kazakhstan, but throughout the world", said A. Mashkevich.

Aryn Orsariyev, executive secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that the results of this event will have a great multiplicative effect, they will create a completely new culture, which will be conducted by all participants of TOM: Kazakhstan.

In addition, the Team Building was held for the participants. Members of the team met with a man who shared with them the pressing problems. This is one of the important members of the team - need-knower, who will help the makers to form and improve the idea of the prototype.

Today the teams presented themselves and some sketches of their ideas. Now they have long and hard work: to think through the details of their prototypes. Teams will meet once a week, will design prototypes and wait for the main moment of the implementation of project at Makeathone TOM, which will be held in June, at address: Pavlodar, Lomov Street, 64, S. Toraighyrov PSU.