VOLUNTEERING AS A FORCE OF PATRIOTISM: INTERREGIONAL FORUM AT AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY

At Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, the interregional forum “Volunteering — a Responsible and Constructive Expression of Patriotism” was held, bringing together representatives of government bodies, public organizations, and volunteer associations from Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. The university served as a platform for open dialogue, experience exchange, and the development of new initiatives to advance the volunteer movement.

Participants included representatives from the Russian Federation, the National Volunteer Network of legal entities, as well as volunteer front offices from the Abai, Pavlodar, and East Kazakhstan regions. The forum was moderated by Aidos Adilbekov, head of the East Kazakhstan volunteer front office, who emphasized that today volunteering is not just social activity but an important tool for fostering an active civic position and social responsibility among youth.

The welcoming address was delivered by the Deputy Akim of East Kazakhstan Region, Erbol Nurgaliev, who highlighted the significance of the volunteer movement in strengthening social harmony and regional development. Tatiana Mironyuk, Executive Director of the National Volunteer Network, stressed the importance of systematic support for volunteer initiatives and the need for coordinated efforts between the state and civil society.

The forum also included online participation from representatives of Omsk Region of the Russian Federation, as well as heads of relevant departments from Abai and Pavlodar regions. They shared best practices in youth policy development and presented projects aimed at supporting social, ecological, and patriotic initiatives.

Particular interest was generated by presentations from public associations and volunteer movements. Meruert Utegenova, Deputy Chair of the NGO “Marhabat.KZ” and laureate of the state youth award “Daryn,” spoke about the role of volunteering in cultivating a culture of compassion and mutual assistance. Tatiana Dementyeva, a representative of the auto-volunteer movement and host of the “Öskemen Asar” project, shared her experience providing rapid assistance to people in difficult situations. Tatiana Berkman, head of the public foundation “Creating Good Together,” presented successful cases of social projects implemented in partnership with business and government institutions.

University students also actively participated in the forum. A representative of the volunteer club “Meiirim” described youth initiatives aimed at supporting socially vulnerable groups, promoting ecological awareness, and advancing inclusion. The head of the Zaisan District volunteer front office shared practical experience in coordinating volunteer activities at the district level.

During the discussions, participants addressed topics such as raising the status of volunteers, developing interregional cooperation, digitalizing volunteer platforms, and engaging youth in socially significant activities. Special attention was given to patriotic education through real actions and civic initiatives.

The forum became an important step in strengthening partnerships between regions, expanding cooperation with Russian colleagues, and promoting the values of volunteering. Hosting such events at Amanzholov University confirms its status as an open dialogue platform where modern approaches to civil society development and support for youth initiatives are being formed.