On January 23, 2026, within the framework of the ALT Winter School, a seminar-training titled “Together We Are Stronger” was held in the university conference hall for students with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN). The event was organized in line with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG No. 17 — Partnerships for the Goals, as well as within the framework of an active memorandum of cooperation with a specialized organization.
Event organizers:
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Daria R. Shabdenova — Head of the Office of Inclusive Education and Mental Health at ALT;
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Akdana T. Tashimbetova — Director of the Department for Educational and Social Affairs;
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Yrysbek Akhatay — Head of the Youth Policy Direction.
Speakers of the seminar-training:
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Zakhira O. Begalieva — Advisor to the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Director of the Public Foundation “ITeachMe” — Competence Development Center;
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Alika Masimzhanova — Project Manager.
During the event, Alika Masimzhanova conducted an interactive seminar-training, during which students acquired practical skills in self-support, effective communication, and confident self-expression, as well as knowledge about opportunities for personal and professional development within an inclusive educational environment. Participants actively engaged in exercises aimed at enhancing psychological resilience and social adaptation.
Zakhira O. Begalieva addressed issues related to the stigmatization of persons with disabilities and the development of a barrier-free environment, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the principles of equal opportunities and respectful interaction. During the session, the speaker engaged participants with questions and discussed practical recommendations and real-life cases that contribute to fostering an inclusive culture within the university.
The purpose of the seminar-training was to create a supportive and safe space for the personal development of students with disabilities and special educational needs, strengthen their psychological resilience, increase self-confidence, and develop skills for self-support, communication, and social integration within the university’s educational environment.
The event marked a significant step in the development of ALT’s inclusive policy and reaffirmed the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships aimed at supporting students and creating a sustainable, accessible, and safe educational environment.
