“Evolution of Training Social Pedagogues: Experience and Strategic Perspectives”

INTERNATIONAL OPEN SPACE

On December 23, 2025, the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology and the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University organized and held an international Open Space entitled “Evolution of Training Social Pedagogues: Experience and Strategic Perspectives.”The main objective of the Open Space was to identify strategic directions for improving educational programs through international discussion of the theoretical and methodological evolution of social pedagogue training, contemporary scientific paradigms, and innovative pedagogical practices, as well as to develop effective models for preparing future specialists in socio-pedagogical services for professional competence.The international Open Space was opened by Banu Narbekova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Abai KazNPU, who read out a welcome address from the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek. The address emphasized the role of the social pedagogue profession in modern society and its importance within the system for protecting the rights and interests of children.The event was moderated by Ulbossyn Kyyakbayeva, Head of the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, who presented an overview of the Open Space program and highlighted the relevance of professional platforms that integrate scientific analysis with practical experience.Participants of the Open Space included representatives of the World Bank and UNICEF Kazakhstan, the leadership of the Almaty City Department of Education, Venera Kokanova, Director of the Psychological Support Center, Zafar Appazov, Director of the Child Protection Center, representatives of the National Scientific and Practical Institute for Enhancing Children’s Well-Being “Orken,” as well as domestic and international scholars, school social pedagogues, doctoral students, master’s students, and university students.During the plenary session, key issues in social pedagogy were discussed. Almira Zakiyeva, a representative of the World Bank, delivered a presentation on the impact of school bullying on students’ academic achievement in Kazakhstan. Azamat Zhamanchinov, representing UNICEF Kazakhstan, presented the results of the child protection system self-assessment. Song Yanjie, Professor at The Education University of Hong Kong, addressed innovative pedagogical practices in the era of artificial intelligence, while Yuen Chi Pun Kevin, Associate Professor at the same university, proposed modern methods for identifying listening difficulties among young learners.Among domestic scholars, Professor Roza Bekmagambetova presented the evolution of the establishment and development of the educational program “Social Pedagogy and Self-Knowledge.” Professor Marziya Asylbekova raised issues related to the prevention of bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents, Professor Meiramgul Bulakbayeva conducted a comparative analysis of systems for training social pedagogues in Kazakhstan and the United States, and Amangali Mukhtarov, a representative of the Orken Institute, shared experience in developing students’ social-emotional skills within the framework of the “DOSBOLLIKE” program.

As part of the event, a procession of graduates took place, along with a book exhibition organized by the university library entitled “Social Pedagogy: From Tradition to Innovation,” and an exhibition of social projects by the student clubs “Meirim” and “Leader.”The Open Space program continued with practice-oriented focus sessions (master classes) and a competition of school social pedagogues, titled “Innovations and Effective Practices in Developing the Professional Competencies of the Social Pedagogue,” during which participants discussed specific cases and presented practical proposals.The international Open Space was concluded as a significant professional platform aimed at modernizing the system of training social pedagogues, aligning educational programs with international trends, and enhancing the scientific and practical potential of socio-pedagogical activities. At the end of the event, participants were awarded certificates and letters of appreciation.