Event "Independence – A Legacy from Our Ancestors"

On December 12, 2024, a large-scale event on the theme "Independence - A Legacy from Our Ancestors" took place at Secondary School-Gymnasium No. 148 in the Zhetysu District of Almaty. The organizers were Gaziza Baidilda, a first-year doctoral student of the educational program "8D01601 - History" from the Department of Modern and Contemporary History named after Academician T.S.Sadykov, and her scientific advisor, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Professor Zhumakhan Nurmanbetkyzy. School-Gymnasium No. 148 serves as the research base for the doctoral candidate`s dissertation.

The main goal of the event was to expand students` knowledge of Kazakhstan`s history, foster national identity and patriotic spirit, explain the significance of historical events on the path to independence, including the role of the December (Zheltoksan) events, and cultivate conscious and creative individuals who will contribute to the country`s future.

The event coincided with the opening of the new building of School-Gymnasium No. 148 and took place with the active participation of teachers from 112 schools in the Zhetysu district.

As part of the event, Professor Zhumakhan Nurmanbetkyzy spoke to students about the importance of independence. She highlighted the heroic deeds of our ancestors in the struggle for freedom, thoroughly explained the historical significance of the December events, and the lessons learned from them. Additionally, the professor urged students to take responsibility for the country`s future and to be educated and conscientious citizens. Her inspiring speech awakened patriotic feelings in the students and provided them with food for thought.

The event program included a play titled "The Struggle for Freedom" performed by 8th and 9th-grade students, which depicted the historical stages of the Kazakh people`s fight for independence. Poems on the theme "Our Hearts Beat for Independence" were also recited, and the musical composition "Karlygash" by Akhmet Zhubanov was performed on the zhetygen, kobyz, and dombra. Vocal and dance performances were also presented to the audience.

In the concluding part, distinguished guests - Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, holder of the "Kurmet" Order, actor of the Kazakh State Academic Drama Theatre named after Mukhtar Auezov, Bakhtiyar Kozha, and film and theater actress, laureate of the Youth Union of Kazakhstan Award, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Shynar Mukhankyzy - held an open dialogue with students. They encouraged the students to develop their creative talents and expressed warm wishes for their future.

At the end of the event, the school collective expressed special gratitude to Professor Zhumakhan Nurmanbetkyzy for preparing future history teachers and contributing to the ranks of qualified specialists. School representatives emphasized the importance of such educational and inspiring events and expressed a desire for future cooperation.

The event achieved its goals and played an important role in increasing students` interest in history and deepening their understanding of the value of independence. It is expected that such noble initiatives will continue in the future.