International Seminar in the Field of Social Pedagogy Held at Abai University

An international scientific and practical platform in the Open Space format titled “The Evolution of Training Social Pedagogues: Experience and Strategic Perspectives” was organized at Abai University.

The seminar demonstrated the effectiveness of scientific and practical dialogue in the field of social pedagogy. During the event, participants were introduced to best practices and innovations in social pedagogy, as well as projects and research aimed at youth development.

An exhibition of the “Meirim” and “Leader” clubs was held in the university’s exhibition hall. The exhibition highlighted the educational and social significance of socio-pedagogical activities, while the presented projects and studies focused on the development of children and adolescents and the creation of a safe and supportive educational environment.

The seminar was opened by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Banu Narbekova, who read a congratulatory message from the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek. In his address, the Minister noted that Abai University has been training social pedagogues since 2010 and that today hundreds of its graduates are successfully working in various regions of the country.

Emphasizing the role of social pedagogues in society, he described them not merely as support specialists, but as key figures ensuring systematic interaction between the child, the family, and society, and wished the participants success in their Open Space discussions. In addition, Banu Mukataikyzy spoke in detail about the importance of improving the quality of social pedagogue training, modernizing educational programs, and strengthening their practical orientation.

The event was moderated by Ulbosyn Kiyakbayeva, Head of the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, who effectively coordinated the professional dialogue between international and domestic experts.

The international seminar featured presentations by foreign scholars currently lecturing at Abai University, as well as local researchers and practitioners in the field of social pedagogy. They introduced new models for training social pedagogues and shared effective practices. In particular, the presentation by Professor Yangtze Sun from the Hong Kong Institute of Education on “Innovative Pedagogical Practices in the AI Era” attracted significant interest among participants. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Yuen Chi Poon from the same university shared valuable experience in identifying primary school students with listening comprehension difficulties.

In today’s society, social pedagogy plays a vital role in protecting the rights of children and adolescents, preventing social risks, developing inclusive educational environments, and ensuring psychosocial well-being and safety—key responsibilities of social pedagogues.

In this context, professional dialogue between international and domestic experts enabled the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches in the field. At the conclusion of the event, a competition was held among school social pedagogues on the topic “Innovations and Effective Practices in Developing the Professional Competencies of Social Pedagogues.” The competition provided participants with an opportunity to present their professional experience, evaluate outstanding projects, and discuss the implementation of pedagogical solutions in practice.

The international Open Space platform demonstrated an effective format for scientific and practical dialogue in social pedagogy. The recommendations voiced during the seminar contribute to the improvement of educational programs, the development of professional competencies of social pedagogues, and the broader application of innovative practices. Moreover, this professional dialogue highlights the integration of national social-pedagogical education into the global educational space.

Press Service

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University