A pilot project, "JANYNDAMYN" (translated as "I am with you" / "I am in your soul"), has been launched at M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University to promote psychological resilience and a culture of peer support among young people.
The project aims to advance mental health awareness, create a supportive environment within the university, foster a sense of responsibility towards oneself and others, and provide training in basic psychological knowledge and social communication skills.
The initiative was developed and launched by the National Commission on Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Commission designed the project's concept, provided methodological support, and engaged international partners, including the World Health Organization.
"JANYNDAMYN" aligns with the goals outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his 2023 State of the Nation Address, emphasizing the need to strengthen mental health services for youth.
The project is built on peer-to-peer principles, fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and staff to provide psychological and social support within the academic community.
As part of the pilot phase, 40 student volunteers completed training covering the fundamentals of clinical psychology, psychiatry, healthy lifestyle promotion, and elements of theatrical psychology.
The completion of the first phase was supported by Zhuldyzay Iskakova, Deputy Chair of the National Commission, Akbota Abyldina, Child and Adolescent Health Expert at the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan, and Symbat Abdrakhmanova, a psychologist at the WHO Country Office.
Going forward, the project will be scaled up and introduced at other universities throughout Kazakhstan.
Zhuldyzay Iskakova also held a meeting with members of the Commission on Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the Akim of North Kazakhstan Region to discuss preparations for the Republican Reproductive Health Week, scheduled for May 12–18, 2025.
The project aims to advance mental health awareness, create a supportive environment within the university, foster a sense of responsibility towards oneself and others, and provide training in basic psychological knowledge and social communication skills.
The initiative was developed and launched by the National Commission on Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Commission designed the project's concept, provided methodological support, and engaged international partners, including the World Health Organization.
"JANYNDAMYN" aligns with the goals outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his 2023 State of the Nation Address, emphasizing the need to strengthen mental health services for youth.
The project is built on peer-to-peer principles, fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and staff to provide psychological and social support within the academic community.
As part of the pilot phase, 40 student volunteers completed training covering the fundamentals of clinical psychology, psychiatry, healthy lifestyle promotion, and elements of theatrical psychology.
The completion of the first phase was supported by Zhuldyzay Iskakova, Deputy Chair of the National Commission, Akbota Abyldina, Child and Adolescent Health Expert at the WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan, and Symbat Abdrakhmanova, a psychologist at the WHO Country Office.
Going forward, the project will be scaled up and introduced at other universities throughout Kazakhstan.
Zhuldyzay Iskakova also held a meeting with members of the Commission on Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the Akim of North Kazakhstan Region to discuss preparations for the Republican Reproductive Health Week, scheduled for May 12–18, 2025.