Building the “Arumin Library” for Children in Kazakhstan
Expanding Access to Books for Underserved Communities
During the summer in the U.S., we can easily visit a nearby library or relax in an air-conditioned café with a book in hand.
But in many underprivileged countries, children grow up without the same access to reading materials or safe spaces to learn.
Today, we’re excited to share the story of Gfoundation’s Library Supply Project in Kazakhstan, made possible through the support of Shinhan Card.
A Partnership Rooted in Global Impact
Gfoundation and Shinhan Card have been partnering since 2021 on various initiatives supporting vulnerable youth and women overseas.
Together, we have worked on projects promoting sustainable hygiene, educational access, and cultural inclusion.
Thanks to this partnership, children and teens in Kazakhstan—particularly those from information-excluded communities—now have access to a healthier cultural and learning environment.
What Is the “Arumin Library”?
The Arumin Library is Shinhan Card’s long-standing social contribution program. Since 2010, it has provided underprivileged children and teenagers with:
- A safe, positive reading environment
- Access to books and educational materials
- Opportunities to dream and build imagination
Since 2015, the project has expanded to support broader age groups and local communities through:
- Customized libraries for nonprofits
- Libraries in children’s centers, welfare centers, and hospitals
- Digital libraries offering e-books, tablets, and online learning tools
These digital learning spaces help close the digital gap for socially vulnerable groups.
Gfoundation’s Global Work for Children
The Kazakhstan project is part of Gfoundation’s broader mission to expand educational access for underserved youth worldwide.
Our ongoing global initiatives include:
- Establishing local libraries
- Providing after-school reading and discussion programs
- Supporting mobile digital libraries
- Operating reading outreach programs in Madagascar, Ethiopia, and Cambodia
Each project reflects our commitment to helping children dream, learn, and grow—no matter where they live.
Why a Library in Kazakhstan?
While Kazakhstan continues investing in education, disparities remain—especially in rural areas.
To help address this gap, Gfoundation and Shinhan Card collaborated to establish a new Arumin Library in Almaty.
We renovated a 350-square-foot space within Keymap University, previously used to introduce Korean books and fairy tales.
Today, it has been transformed into a dedicated library, complete with 1,500 Korean-language books donated by KOFICE (Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange).
The library benefits both university students and local residents, offering a shared space for reading and cultural learning.
Thank You for Making This Possible
Your interest and support continue to bring joy and opportunity to children in underprivileged communities.
We hope you will stay with us as we help more children discover the power of reading and imagine a brighter future.
