KAFU Hosts Discussion on Religious Literacy Among Youth

On October 19, 2026, the Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU) hosted a TEDx-style conference titled “The Religious Landscape and Adolescent Literacy.” The event was organized by the Department for Religious Affairs of the East Kazakhstan Region and the Center for the Study of Religious Issues.

The conference brought together theologians, religious studies scholars, psychologists, law enforcement representatives, administrators responsible for student affairs at higher education institutions and colleges, and students from three universities in Oskemen.

Erbolat Oshakbayev, Head of the Department for Religious Affairs of the East Kazakhstan Region, delivered welcoming remarks to the participants. The discussion focused on preventing the spread of destructive religious ideologies among adolescents and young adults, as well as fostering critical thinking and safe behavior within the digital space. Particular attention was paid to the influence of social media, through which young people may be exposed to radical ideas and manipulative content.

In an open dialogue format, experts shared their professional insights, discussed strategies to protect youth from the influence of destructive religious movements, and answered questions from students.

The conference served as a platform for an exchange of views between specialists and young people, highlighting the importance of religious literacy, a discerning approach to information, and collaborative efforts to prevent contemporary threats.