On December 12th, the Kostanay Polytechnic Higher College hosted an event dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This lesson in memory and citizenship took the form of an Oral Magazine titled “Independence is the Heroic Path of the People.” The Oral Magazine was devoted not only to the pivotal date of 1991 but also to the entire centuries-old history of the Kazakh people’s formation, striving for their dignity and sovereignty.

Opening the Magazine, the student presenting the first page emphasized that freedom is the result of a long historical journey and the courage of many generations. Each new page of the Magazine revealed a new, significant stage in the history of statehood formation.

The first page was dedicated to the historical origins of the national liberation movement. Students spoke about the uprisings led by Syrym Datuly (1783–1797) and Kenesary Kasymov (1837–1847), who was elected Khan of all three Zhuzes. The role of the “Alash” movement and its leaders — Alikhan Bokeikhanov, Akhmet Baitursynuly, and Mirzhakyp Dulatov — in forming the ideas of statehood and national self-awareness was also noted.

Participants on the second page of the Magazine detailed the path from the formation of the Kazakh ASSR (1920) to its transformation into the Kazakh SSR (1936), which laid the legal foundation for future statehood. The central event of this period was the December events of 1986 in Alma-Ata. Students and teachers paid tribute to the heroes of Zheltoqsan, whose tragic fates became a symbol of the national spirit: Kairat Ryskulbekov, Sabira Mukhamedzhanova, and Erbol Sypatayev.

The students who covered the third page highlighted the key steps towards sovereignty: the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty (1990), the first nationwide Presidential elections (1991), and, of course, the proclamation of independence on December 16, 1991. Students discussed the stages of affirming state symbols, introducing the national currency—the Tenge (1993), and moving the capital to Astana. The Magazine also noted the achievements of independent Kazakhstan: from the rejection of nuclear weapons and UN membership to economic development, the creation of the National Fund, and hosting EXPO-2017. Special attention was paid to the development of education and science, including the establishment of the international “Bolashak” scholarship.

Finally, the page titled “Heirs of Independence: Youth of the XXI Century” listed the achievements of the students of the Kostanay Polytechnic Higher College, symbolizing the continuation of the heroic path of the people within the walls of the educational institution.

The staging of the Oral Magazine became not just a history lesson, but a powerful tool for fostering Kazakhstani patriotism. Immersion in the events of the past, understanding the sacrifices and achievements of generations, and recognizing one’s role in the modern state—all this is aimed at educating responsible citizens. The younger generation must clearly understand that their academic success, professional growth, and active participation in the country’s life are a direct continuation of the historic choice made in 1991.

The Oral Magazine concluded with the words of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, stating that Täuelsızdık (Independence) is the most precious value that must be preserved and strengthened. This mandate served as the main conclusion of the event, addressed to the future of Kazakhstan.

L.K. Dyusekeeva, Deputy Director for Educational Work #adal_azamat