SOLIDARITY DAY – A CELEBRATION OF UNITY AND FRIENDSHIP

March is a time not only for the renewal of nature but also for the spiritual awakening of individuals, a period when social harmony and mutual respect flourish. According to the "Nauryznama" ten-day celebration, today is designated as Solidarity Day (Yntymak Kuni). Since ancient times, the Kazakh people have championed unity and togetherness as their core values, as evidenced by numerous proverbs stating that prosperity begins with solidarity and that no achievement is possible without unity.

Solidarity Day is a special occasion where the shared values of various ethnicities and cultures in our country are showcased, highlighting peace and harmony. As a multinational state, Kazakhstan promotes these values in everyday life, where people live, study, and work together in harmony. A prime example of this is Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. This fundamental higher education institution hosts students not only from every region of Kazakhstan but also from all around the world.

Today, the university is home to young people from China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Ukraine, Jordan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Tajikistan. There are also learners from the United States, France, and the Republic of Korea. The convergence of different cultures and languages enriches university life, allowing students to learn about each other's cultures and traditions both in and out of the classroom.

For instance, students from Turkmenistan particularly emphasize Kazakh hospitality, noting that Kazakh traditions are not foreign to them but rather remind them of the shared values of Turkic peoples. Guljakhan Berdymuradova, a student from Turkmenistan who has been studying at Abai University for about six months, shares that she has already become acquainted with the Kazakh language, traditions, national cuisine, and the country's unique nature. She appreciates the humility and kindness of the people and the high level of respect shown to women, noting that Nauryz is also a significant celebration of renewal and harmony in her home country.

Currently, 2,043 international students are enrolled at Abai University. The majority of these students come from Turkmenistan (1,269), followed by China (426) and Uzbekistan (144), which make up the top three countries of origin. For international students, the Kazakh educational system facilitates not only professional growth but also cultural development, fostering friendly relations and open dialogue among youth from different nations.

Therefore, this holiday holds deep significance for the students of this venerable institution. It serves as a symbolic moment to remind everyone of the importance of friendship and mutual understanding. The unification of representatives of different nationalities for a common goal within one educational institution is a true model of solidarity. Solidarity is not just a holiday to be celebrated for one day; it is a value reflected in daily life. Abai University aims to continue developing educational tourism by attracting international youth to the country in the future.

Abai University Media Center