In 2024, the autonomous educational organization "Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools" in collaboration with an international partner launched the “NIS/SHARE” project.

“NIS/SHARE” is a continuation of the "SHARE" project, which was implemented in schools in the city of Astana from 2019 to 2022

The aim of the “NIS/SHARE” ― to train the participants in the use of Action Research approaches for school development and build capacity for further dissemination of best practices.

Within the “NIS/SHARE” project, the training sessions (the "train-the-trainers" approach) will be held in Astana, along with online mentoring and coaching sessions and webinars for principals.

Each participating school has formed a team of five members (principal, senior leader, coordinator, and teachers).

Trainings will be provided by Colleen McLaughlin, Professor Emerita, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge; Kate Evans, an experienced Cambridge Head teacher and consultant; and Altyngul Taybasarova, a consultant with extensive experience in the “SHARE” project.

The project is planned to run for three years (2024–2027).

20 selected schools are participating in the first year (2024-2025):

- 10 general education schools in Astana (No. 37, 50, 59, 60, 67, 72, 74, 75, 90, and 91);

- 10 Intellectual Schools (located in Astana (3 schools), Atyrau, Kokshetau, Kostanay, Semey, Oskemen, Taldykorgan, and Turkestan).

In the second year (2025–2026), 19 schools joined the project:

-7 general education schools in Astana (No. 2, 35, 40, 56, 58, 76, and 97);

- 12 Intellectual Schools from the cities of Almaty (2 schools), Aktau, Aktobe, Karaganda, Kyzylorda, Pavlodar, Petropavlovsk, Taraz, Uralsk, and Shymkent (2 schools).

In line with the Concept for the Development of Preschool, Secondary, Technical, and Vocational Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2029, approved by the Government Decree No. 249 dated March 28, 2023, AEO continues to share its best practices with general education schools across the country, particularly through methodological support within the framework of the project aimed at developing the capacity of rural hub schools.

Taking into account the training and experience gained during the first year, from November 2025 each of the 10 Intellectual Schools will work with two rural hub schools, training them to use Action Research method, which focuses on professional development of teachers and transformation of the school learning environment. Additionally, general education schools in Astana will also begin working with two schools each within the city.

The Methodological Centre of the Akimat of Astana is responsible for the overall support and coordination of the participating public schools of Astana.