On April 19,
2025, the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University, in
collaboration with its branch at Secondary School No. 101 of the Astana City
Akimat and with the support of the "Methodological Center" of the
Department of Education of the Astana Akimat, held an international
scientific-practical seminar titled “Abai's Concept of the ‘Perfect Human’ —
The Guiding Principle of Kazakh Spirituality,” dedicated to the 180th
anniversary of the great poet, thinker, and composer Abai Qunanbaiuly.
The seminar
aimed to improve teaching methods of Abai’s works, integrate his philosophical
legacy into education, and foster professional exchange among innovative
educators and creatively-minded students through modern technology.
Participants
were welcomed by the orchestra of traditional instruments from Astana
International University. The event brought together over 500 attendees,
including public figures, writers, scholars, university professors, school
teachers, and students.
The program
included exhibitions, a PODCAST zone, a round table on “Abai’s Concept and
Modern Times,” national art performances, a plenary session, and various
thematic breakout sessions.
The
exhibition featured items such as museum artifacts from the Bukhar Zhyrau
Literature and Art Museum, methodological tools from the "Til-Qazyna"
National Scientific-Practical Center, educational resources, electronic games,
and national handicrafts created by teachers of visual and applied arts.
At the
PODCAST platform, Abai’s direct descendant, veteran educator Laylya
Mukhlysqyzy, gave an interview titled “Abai’s Legacy — A Beacon in the Memory
of Generations.” Additionally, poet and Abai scholar Almakhan Mukhametkalykhyzy
presented her book “Characters of ‘The Path of Abai’ and Abai.”
The round
table facilitated discussions among Abai scholars on pressing issues in education
and child development.
The seminar
opened with a performance of “Abai’s Homeland” by traditional singer Gulmira
Ayymgazyqyzy from the “Shabyt” Academy. A moving student performance titled
“The Battle of Light and Dark” was followed by a choir of 180 teachers singing
Abai’s “Zhelsiz tún’de zharyq ai,” joined in unison by the audience.
During the
plenary session, both local and international scholars presented. Twelve
seminar rooms hosted sessions across various themes: performing Abai’s music,
poetry contests, artwork based on Abai’s prose, educational comic creation,
pedagogical innovations, and master classes.
Participants
expressed their gratitude via QR feedback, noting the high standard of the
event and the enduring significance of Abai’s philosophy for Kazakh
spirituality.
On behalf of
the AIU administration, sincere thanks are extended to Associate Professor, PhD
Galiyabanu Kabievna Rezuanova; Principal of School No. 101 Alma Altynkhanovna
Zhumabekova; Deputy Principal Almagul Zhaikovna Nurgalieva; literature
teachers; methodologist Saya Ualikhanovna Kabazhaeva; and Methodological
Center’s specialist Zhanar Seitakhmetovna Maman.