On November 25, at Kostanay Polytechnic Higher College, group leaders from years 1–4 held a unified mentoring session on the topic “My Choice is Safe and Responsible Behavior” (AIDS and HIV Infection Prevention).

Due to modern digital capabilities and organizational convenience, the event was held online on the ZOOM platform. This allowed students and speakers to share a common information space, despite interacting remotely.

The goal of the event was to develop the ability to evaluate one’s own actions and the actions of others, taking into account the equal rights and responsibilities of all participants. Particular attention was paid to the willingness to accept responsibility for the results of one’s work and to correct mistakes if made.

During the mentoring session on ZOOM, speakers and students discussed the most important human values—life and health—noting that health depends on many factors. Participants also learned the history of the Red Ribbon, the international symbol of the fight against AIDS. Despite the online format, the course was interactive. Working in small breakout rooms (groups), students completed assignments and answered key questions:

What is HIV and what is AIDS?

How are they different?

Is AIDS contagious?

Does an HIV-infected person always develop AIDS?

Which population groups are most at risk?

How long does it take for a person to determine their HIV status?

Digital technologies were used to deepen their knowledge: students scanned QR codes from screens, accessing informational materials about the routes of HIV infection, and completed practical tasks.

At the end of the event, each group developed and presented a “Stop HIV/AIDS” leaflet live.

Participants unanimously concluded that it is essential to lead a healthy lifestyle, strictly avoiding alcohol and drugs. These substances reduce critical thinking, which can lead to risky behavior. Our health and our future depend, first of all, on ourselves.