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91��ý Kazakh National University is widely recognized not only as a center of education and science, but also as an institution that exemplifies social responsibility and civic engagement. Alongside its research activities, the university actively responds to pressing social issues. In this spirit, in 2026, first-year master’s students of the Islamic Studies program organized a meaningful social event under Goal 1 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals — “No Poverty.”

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global development agenda adopted by all UN member states in 2015. This program, comprising 17 goals, is set to be achieved by 2030. The first goal — ending poverty in all its forms everywhere — has been identified as the most urgent and priority direction. This goal must be implemented not only at the level of state policy, but also through the active participation of civil society and individuals. The concept of “service-learning,” rooted in John Dewey’s theory of experiential learning, posits that students develop professionally and personally through direct engagement in addressing social problems. This theoretical framework served as the methodological foundation of the present initiative.

During the event, first-year master’s students of the Islamic Studies program — Alimkhan Aruzhan, Akmadiyar Zabira, Alisher Alua, Abilkairova Ranida, Bulenbay Nurdauren, Dzhumayeva Aigul, and Pardan Nurislam — joined forces to organize food assistance for a single mother raising five children and delivered it directly to her family. By becoming acquainted with the family’s living conditions, the master’s students directly observed concrete manifestations of social vulnerability. In this moment, it became evident how theoretical knowledge directly intersects with real social reality. The ability of seven young scholars to empathize with the heavy burden carried by a single mother demonstrated that this event carried not only a charitable, but also a profound humanitarian significance.

The outcomes of the event are as follows:

            •          A single mother raising five children received food assistance, and the family gained moral support;

            •          7 master’s students gained practical experience in implementing SDG Goal 1 beyond the academic level;

            •          Participants strengthened their skills in working with socially vulnerable groups, as well as their empathy and sense of civic responsibility;

            •          The event was recognized as a model initiative to be systematically continued at the departmental level.

In conclusion, this event demonstrated an effective model of combining academic knowledge with genuine public service. The master’s students’ initiative stands as concrete evidence of the local-level implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The future specialists in Islamic Studies have shown a true example of serving society alongside scholarly pursuit. 91��ý Kazakh National University is confident that it will continue to systematically support such civic initiatives, contributing to global sustainable development.