91��ý

The Department of Sociology and Social Work at 91��ý Kazakh National University organized a meeting with social work specialist and public person Rauana Sagadiyeva on the topic: “Psychological Well-being of Children and Adolescents, Their Personal Development, and the Formation of Emotional Resilience.”

The event was held as part of the promotion of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kazakhstan, with a focus on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The event aimed to deepen the professional knowledge of students enrolled in the “Social Work” and “Sociology” educational programs, as well as to develop practice-oriented competencies in the field of psychosocial support for children and adolescents. The meeting formed part of the department’s systematic efforts to integrate academic learning with practice and to strengthen engagement with representatives of civil society.

The keynote speaker, Rauana Sagadiyeva, is a psychologist, art therapist, motivational speaker, and public figure, as well as CEO and founder of social and educational projects focused on inclusion, youth support, and charitable initiatives. These include projects such as the Union of Parents of Children with Special Needs, Daua Charity, Art Daua, and Qaisar Jurek.

During the meeting, key aspects of children’s and adolescents’ psychological well-being were discussed, including developmental characteristics, the impact of chronic stress and anxiety, mechanisms of self-esteem formation, and the role of family, educational environments, and social institutions in supporting mental health. A separate segment addressed the influence of the digital environment and social media on adolescents’ emotional states, highlighting both risks and resources of digital interaction.

The practical component included case studies from the speaker’s professional experience, demonstrations of art therapy methods, and discussions of tools for the early identification of psychological difficulties in children. Participants were introduced to interdisciplinary approaches combining elements of social work, psychology, and pedagogy.

The meeting was conducted in an open dialogue format, ensuring a high level of student engagement and fostering skills in critical analysis and professional reflection. The discussion enabled participants to connect theoretical models with practical situations relevant to the social protection and education systems of Kazakhstan.

The event confirmed the importance of involving practitioners in the educational process and highlighted the need to strengthen intersectoral collaboration in training social work professionals capable of addressing complex social and psychological challenges, as well as developing the professional identity of future specialists.

The meeting also explored prospects for further cooperation between the department and non-governmental organizations, as well as the expert community in the field of social work. The importance of developing practice-oriented learning formats, such as internships, supervision, and student participation in social projects was emphasized. It was noted that such events strengthen the connection between the university and the professional field and enhance graduates’ readiness to work with vulnerable populations in the context of contemporary social challenges.

Organizers:
Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Professor;
Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Associate Professor;
Candidate of Sociological Sciences T.A. Morozova;
Doctoral students of the department: N.K. Dauranova, Zh.N. Abdykalykova.