KAFU Representatives Attend Jubilee Event: “Protassova. Work. People. Time”

On October 1, 2026, representatives from the Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU) attended a celebratory event marking the 80th birthday of Galina V. Protassova—a recipient of the “Excellence in Public Education of the Kazakh SSR” award and an “Honored Educator of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”

The university was represented by Natalia A. Nesterenko, Advisor to the KAFU President, and Marina I. Kikina, Vice-Rector and Director of the KAFU Higher College.

The jubilee gathering, titled “Protassova. Work. People. Time,” took place at the East Kazakhstan branch of the “Orleu” National Center for Professional Development and was held in conjunction with Teacher’s Day.

The event brought together representatives from the East Kazakhstan region’s education system, heads of educational institutions, veteran educators, university faculty, and public figures.

The central theme of the meeting was the long professional career of Galina V. Protassova and her contributions to the development of the regional education system and the professional advancement of teaching staff. From 1986 to 2001, she headed the Institute for Teacher Improvement, playing a pivotal role in the professional development of several generations of educators in East Kazakhstan.

A highlight of the program was a historical retrospective, prepared and presented by Gaukhar S. Zhumanova, Director of the East Kazakhstan branch of the “Orleu” National Center for Professional Development. In a unique and substantive format, the history of the institute’s formation and development was presented, tracing its evolution through the lives of the leaders, faculty, and staff who laid the foundations for the region’s professional development system for educators. This narrative allowed participants not only to revisit key milestones in the institution’s history but also to gain a fresh perspective on the contributions of remarkable individuals—people who helped shape professional traditions and fostered an entire generation of talented educators.

The anniversary program was presented in a documentary-style, conversational format. Through colleagues’ recollections, interviews, archival photographs, video footage, and anecdotes from professional life, participants were able to follow the major stages of Galina V. Protassova’s career and reflect on significant events in the history of pedagogical education in the region.

The celebratory program continued with an awards ceremony for the winners of the regional stage of the national competition, “Panorama of Pedagogical Ideas – 2026.” This year, the competition brought together educators who submitted 862 entries across seven areas of functional literacy: reading, mathematics, natural sciences, digital, financial, environmental, and intercultural literacy.

The most outstanding pedagogical initiatives were recognized with awards, diplomas, and commemorative gifts.

The participation of representatives from the Kazakh-American Free University in this event underscores the institution’s commitment to preserving pedagogical traditions, honoring the achievements of distinguished educators, and strengthening professional ties with the educational community of East Kazakhstan.

This anniversary gathering served as a symbol of intergenerational continuity, bridging the extensive experience of veteran educators with modern educational initiatives aimed at advancing the region’s education system.