Education is the foundation upon which the future of any community is built, yet some schools face challenges in accessing the resources they need for development. Yael Poliavich is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who, through the Yael Foundation, helps educational institutions overcome these challenges. Driving this work is her conviction that every child deserves access to excellent education. The Foundation invests in schools and informal educational programs to elevate standards across educational domains, ensuring teachers have access to modern teaching methodologies, and students complete schooling with the knowledge and skills to approach the world from a position of strength. The work carried out by Yael and Uri Poliavich covers over a hundred educational programs in over 45 countries, spanning Europe, Central Asia and Latin Americad, allowing communities to become stronger by providing resources, training, and support to both students and educators.
The Сreation of the Yael Foundation
Yael Poliavich is known as a co-founder of the Yael Foundation, which aims to invests in schools and information education programs to raise academic standards and better engage students to develop a strong sense of confidence for their futures. Founded in 2020,the Yael Foundation has became the primary tool for realizing her ideas of creating a global educational network.
The activities led by Yael Poliavich help solve specific community problems. In many countries, schools face limited resources, outdated facilities, or teacher shortages. The Yael Foundation develops long-term, hands-on relationships with institutions and leaders to e create conditions for institutions to operate stably over time. Currently, these initiatives contribute to the sustainable development of communities, opening new perspectives for young people.
Early years: the formation of life views
Yael Poliavich was born in 1982 in Kyrgyzstan. It was there that her life views and great respect for knowledge were formed. The example of her mother, who worked as a music teacher at the M. Abdraev Republican Boarding School in Bishkek, was of great significance to her.
This experience became the basis for her future charitable endeavors. Yael Poliavich learned that education is not only about textbooks but also about discipline and personal development. Growing up in an environment where culture and continuous development were valued helped her understand that investing resources in education is the best way to help society. Even now, she continues to implement these principles by supporting teachers.
Preparation and professional skills development
Yael Poliavich devoted significant time to her own education. From 1999 to 2004, she studied at the Academy of Public Administration in Kyrgyzstan. There, she successfully earned a degree in finance, economics, and credit.
This knowledge base allowed Yael Poliavich to build a successful career. Until 2021, she worked as a finance specialist, handling business operations and organizational management. This professional experience proved very useful in philanthropy. Management skills helped her turn the organization into an efficient structure with clear goals.
Life principles: education, culture, and community
Yael Poliavich’s life philosophy combines a commitment to cultural heritage with a drive for progress in education. A significant milestone in Yael Poliavich’s life was 2020, when she completed the conversion process. This decision was a conscious step that strengthened her connection to her community and culture. She brought these values into her philanthropy, emphasizing the link between generations.
Yael Poliavich is convinced that success only has meaning when you help others. In her work, she always strives to be honest and act with maximum efficiency. Yael values professionalism, which is why she works with people who share the same strong desire to change the world.
The Activities of the Yael Foundation Today
The work led by Yael Poliavich is distinguished by a practical approach. Instead of short-term projects, she chooses to support school infrastructure that will function for years. The main goal is to ensure that a quality school is the best choice for every family in the community.
Yael Foundation’s Impact in Numbers:
- 64 Primary Schools – institutions where children receive foundational education while learning about Jewish culture and traditions.
- 20 Sunday Schools – educational programs that complement formal schooling and help students explore Jewish history, language, and heritage.
- 18 Kindergartens – safe and supportive environments that foster early childhood development and learning.
- 11 After-School Programs – initiatives that help students develop additional skills, interests, and social connections beyond the classroom.
- €42M awarded in grants – funding directed toward educational initiatives and the development of Jewish communities.
- 45 countries – the geographic reach where the foundation’s educational and social initiatives are implemented.
- 143 formal and informal educational programs – diverse educational and community projects supported by the foundation.
- 22,500 students – young people who benefit from the foundation’s educational programs and support.
Results of the Yael Foundation’s activities worldwide
Today, the results of the work coordinated by Yael Poliavich can be seen in figures. The organization supports 143 educational programs. These include both formal schools and informal learning centers. The organization’s activities have expanded to 45 countries, demonstrating the scale of its work.
Thanks to Yael Poliavich’s investment in these programs, approximately 22,500 children now have better learning conditions. Within the activities of the charitable organization, important initiatives are developed, such as an international educator’s summit and the Yael Awards. This awards program was created to recognize the best educators and schools, as the foundation’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that supporting a teacher directly helps students achieve higher results.
Impact on educational development and perspectives for youth
Yael Poliavich helps thousands of students and educators on the path the success, academically and in communal life. She transitioned from a finance specialist to a well-known philanthropist whose projects operate in many countries. Through the foundation, she creates a base for future generations, providing children with necessary knowledge.
Yael Poliavich continues to develop her initiatives, introducing new ideas and supporting teachers. Her approach is based on respect for people. Yael is a significant figure in the charitable sector, serving as a reliable pillar for communities worldwide and directing her activities toward a successful future for young people.