Workshop for Social Pedagogues and Psychologists in Petropavlovsk

November 11, 2025

A workshop for social pedagogues and school psychologists from the city of Petropavlovsk was held at the Sabit Mukanov Regional Universal Scientific Library. The event was organized by the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention under the leadership of Director Mamadiyar Baigulov and the Youth Resource Centre of Petropavlovsk headed by Director Damir Abdin.

Speakers included:

- Oksana Simukhina, Specialist, Regional Centre for HIV Prevention;

- Asiya Sharipova, Dermatovenerologist, Regional Centre for HIV Prevention;

- Damir Abdin, Director, Youth Resource Centre;

- Saniya Zhakan, Kyokushin Karate Trainer-Instructor, Silver Medalist of the World Championship, Champion of Europe and Kazakhstan;

- Gulnur Bekebayeva, Acting Director, Youth Health Centre;

- Natalia Kachalkina, Director, Psychological Support Centre;

- Anastasia Sviridova, Juvenile Affairs Inspector.

During the workshop, participants discussed HIV prevention among adolescents and young people, the importance of psychological resilience and a healthy lifestyle, as well as the role of sport in fostering a responsible attitude towards one’s health.

Kyokushin Karate trainer Saniya Zhakan emphasized that sports help young people develop not only physical strength and endurance but also inner discipline:

“When a child practices sports, they not only become more resilient but also learn to manage their emotions, set goals, and overcome challenges. These qualities help to avoid harmful behaviours and promote a healthy lifestyle. We — coaches, educators and psychologists — share one important mission: to nurture a generation capable of caring for themselves and for others. If each of us contributes — through our words, actions or example — we can change attitudes toward health in our society,” she noted.

The workshop was held as part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1 December. The main objective of the event was to bring together specialists working with young people to promote responsible health behaviour among the younger generation.

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