Yael Poliavich’s Educational Initiatives on the International Stage

Education is the foundation upon which the future of any community is built, but some educational institutions face difficulties in accessing the resources necessary for their development. Through her Yael Foundation, entrepreneur and philanthropist Yael Poliavich helps these institutions overcome these challenges. The main driving force behind her work is the belief that every child has the right to access quality education.

The organisation invests in schools and non-formal education programmes to raise academic standards. This equips teachers with modern teaching methods and provides pupils with the knowledge and skills for a confident start in life. The work of Yael Poliavich encompasses over a hundred educational programmes in more than 45 countries. By providing material resources, training and support for students and teachers, local communities are becoming stronger.

The History of the Yael Foundation

Yael Poliavich is the co-founder of the Yael Foundation. Established in 2020, the organisation has become the primary vehicle for putting her ideas into practice regarding the creation of a global educational network. The Foundation aims to invest in schools and non-formal education programmes to raise academic standards and help students develop confidence in their future.

Projects led by Yael Poliavich are aimed at addressing specific local challenges. In many countries, educational institutions suffer from limited funding, outdated facilities, or a shortage of teaching staff. The Yael Foundation builds long-term and practical relationships with institutions and leaders to create the conditions for their sustainable operation over the long term. Today, these initiatives ensure the sustainable development of communities and open up new life prospects for the younger generation.

Yael Poliavich’s Early Years and the Formation of Her Worldview

Yael Poliavich was born in 1982 in Kyrgyzstan. It was there that her worldview took shape and her deep respect for knowledge was instilled. Her mother, who worked as a music teacher at the M. Abdraev Republican Boarding School in Bishkek, was a particularly significant influence on her.

This life experience became the foundation for her future charitable work. Yael Poliavich came to realise that the educational process encompasses not only the study of textbooks, but also discipline and the all-round development of the individual. Growing up in an environment where culture and continuous improvement were valued helped her realise that channeling resources into education is the best way to help society. She continues to put these principles into practice today by supporting Jewish teachers and children.

Yael Poliavich placed great emphasis on her own education. Between 1999 and 2004, she studied at the Academy of Public Administration in Kyrgyzstan, where she successfully completed a degree in Finance, Economics and Credit.

The knowledge she gained enabled Yael Poliavich to build a successful career. Until 2021, she worked as a financial professional, overseeing business operations and organisational management. This professional experience proved valuable in the field of philanthropy: her management skills helped her transform a charitable organisation into an effective structure with clearly defined goals.

Life philosophy: education, culture and community

Yael Poliavich’s life principles combine a respect for cultural heritage with a commitment to progress in the field of education. The year 2020 marked an important milestone in her life, as she underwent the process of giyur. 

Yael Poliavich is convinced that success in life only has meaning when you help others. In her work, she always strives to act with integrity and maximum efficiency. Yael highly values professionalism, which is why she collaborates with like-minded individuals who share her desire to change the world for the better.

The Yael Foundation’s current activities in figures

Under the leadership of Yael Poliavich, the Foundation’s work is characterised by a practical approach. It focuses on supporting school infrastructure that will remain in use for years to come. The primary aim is to ensure that every family in the community has the opportunity to choose a high-quality educational institution. The scale and results of the Foundation’s work:

• 45 countries worldwide – the geographical reach where the Foundation’s social and educational projects are implemented.

• 143 formal and informal educational programmes – a variety of community development and educational projects supported by the organisation.

• 22,500 students – young people who are studying and receiving support through the foundation’s programmes.

  
  

Impact on the development of education and prospects for young people

Today, the results of the work coordinated by Yael Poliavich are clearly reflected in the statistics. The organisation has expanded its reach to 45 countries and supports 143 programmes, including both formal schools and non-formal learning centres. 

The Yael Foundation organises the annual Yael Awards, a 2.5-day event that includes lectures and workshops designed for learning, sharing experiences and developing strategies, culminating in an awards ceremony for schools from around the world. The foundation is also establishing a global network of Yael Schools, which are designed to be IB world schools in emerging Jewish communities, alive with vibrant Jewish learning and tradition, world-class arts and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, where children gain agency and belonging, exercising their creativity and emerging with a powerful and proud Jewish identity, ready to shape the future with confidence and joy. 

Having progressed from a financial specialist to a renowned philanthropist, Yael Poliavich helps thousands of pupils and teachers to succeed in their studies and public life. Through Yael Foundation, she is laying the foundations for future generations and equipping children with the knowledge they need. She continues to develop initiatives, support teachers and implement new ideas based on respect for people, whilst remaining a reliable pillar of support for communities around the world.