“Environmental Readings: Children`s Reading and the Ecology of Kazakhstan Through a Child`s Eyes”

For the first time in Almaty, a presentation of environmental fairy tales by 12-year-old author Platon Nechaev was held. His work has already attracted media attention and has been featured at international platforms, including conferences associated with UNESCO-related initiatives.

On April 17, 2026, the Department of Russian Language and Literature of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University organized the international educational event "Environmental Readings", dedicated to environmental education, sustainable development, and social reading practices. As part of the event, students and invited guests participated in a social reading session, during which Platon Nechaev`s environmental fairy tale The Mystery of Bolektau Mountain and the Trail of Wonders was read aloud, engaging the audience in collective interpretation and discussion of its environmental themes.

Platon Nechaev is a 12-year-old writer, creator, and environmental innovator who has transformed his original children`s stories into a comprehensive ClimateTech project. His collection Platon`s Magical Worlds combines adventure narratives with environmental messages. The protagonists of his stories, including children, animals, and fantasy characters, encourage readers to develop a respectful attitude toward nature and a sense of responsibility for preserving Kazakhstan`s natural heritage.

The event was opened by Saule Dzhunusovna Abisheva, Doctor of Philology, Professor, and Head of the Department of Russian Language and Literature at Abai KazNPU. She emphasized that the presentation of Platon`s original fairy tales within the walls of Kazakhstan`s oldest pedagogical university demonstrates the growing academic interest in his literary work. "Children`s reading today serves as a foundation for the formation of values and cultural continuity," she noted. According to Professor Abisheva, the uniqueness of Platon`s work lies in the fact that children`s literature is being created by a child himself, representing a new type of literary expression and a natural transmission of cultural and ethical values within the younger generation.

It was also noted that the Department of Russian Language and Literature is currently supporting the doctoral research of Bibizhan Parkulovna Abuova, devoted to the study of children`s reading and contemporary children`s literature in Kazakhstan.

Among the distinguished guests were representatives of the diplomatic corps, public organizations, and expert communities, each highlighting important aspects of environmental policy and sustainable development.
Reyzan Acar, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Almaty, stated:
"Our efforts are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, where climate action and responsible consumption are regarded as essential components of sustainable development. Hosting COP31 in Türkiye will not only provide a platform for climate negotiations but will also contribute to aligning environmental priorities with the global sustainability agenda. The Zero Waste Project demonstrates how national initiatives can help address global environmental challenges through the promotion of responsible consumption and a circular economy."

Sholpan Abdikhalikova, Chairperson of the Almaty City Branch of the Respublica Party, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering environmental awareness and expressed interest in developing cooperation with Platon Nechaev and supporting youth-oriented environmental education projects.

Irina Kharitonova, Head of the Central Asia Sustainable Development Public Foundation Creative & Innovation Institute and mother of the project`s author, emphasized that environmental awareness begins within the family and educational environment, where fundamental values and behavioral models are formed. She presented the authorial Platon 5D methodology as an ESG-oriented educational model aimed at developing critical, creative, digital, systems, and ethical thinking. She also stressed the importance of integrating environmental education with digital and gamified learning formats through the EcoPlaton platform.

The central participant of the event was Platon Nechaev himself. His books address the relationship between humans and nature, promote environmental responsibility, and contribute to the development of ecological culture. The collection includes the following works: Fire from the Depths, The Legend of Karagan, The Magical Compass of Time, Ramiza`s Mission: The Pure Heart of Balkhash, The Road to the Olympic Dream, The Magical Secrets of Oil and the Power of Little Heroes, Arman and the Bracelet: The Path to Clean Energy, The Mystery of Bolektau Mountain and the Trail of Wonders, and The Tale of the Magical Millet Seed.

The young environmental innovator shared insights into the process of creating fairy tales that combine practical assignments with national heroes and explained how artificial intelligence is used in developing illustrations and visual solutions. Particular interest was generated by the practical component of the project: each fairy tale is accompanied by a task encouraging readers to create their own environmental initiative connected to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Platon also informed the audience that all of his books are printed on recycled paper using environmentally safe inks, while part of the proceeds from book sales is allocated to greening initiatives. As a result, hundreds of trees have already been planted across Kazakhstan. The project combines literature, digital technologies, and tangible environmental action through the EcoPlaton platform, which offers eco-challenges and interactive educational formats.

During the event, participants read aloud The Mystery of Bolektau Mountain and the Trail of Wonders. The reading was performed by Abai KazNPU philology students Aisha Kazhygumar and Zhuldyz Slamgozha, together with Sholpan Timurovna Adibayeva, Candidate of Philological Sciences and Associate Professor at Satbayev University. The social reading format enabled participants not only to become acquainted with the text but also to engage in collective reflection on its environmental messages.

As noted by Sholpan Adibayeva, author of the concept and organizer of the "Environmental Readings" project:
"Today, children are reading less and less, a shared space of meanings for discussion is disappearing, and generations are becoming increasingly disconnected. In this context, reading aloud and social reading practices become not merely pedagogical tools but effective ways of returning texts to living communication and creating a common cultural space."

The event became a platform for dialogue among educational institutions, governmental bodies, and international organizations, demonstrating the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development.

The social reading formats "A Book with an Actor" and "Environmental Readings," developed by Sholpan Adibayeva, have already been successfully implemented at various venues in Almaty, including Meloman, Satbayev University, Almatykitap, and the Children`s Theatre Igra. The event at Abai KazNPU became another successful stage in the development of these initiatives.

The event was organized by the Department of Russian Language and Literature of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University under the leadership of Professor Saule D. Abisheva, Head of the Department, together with faculty members Bibizhan P. Abuova, Gulmira A. Atembayeva, and Zarina T. Kanafina.