An event titled “Prevention of Extremism and Terrorism”
We visited 87 general education schools in Almaty and gave lectures to students in grades 9, 10, and 11. The main goal of the meetings was to prevent extremism and terrorism, foster a culture of safety among young people, and develop critical thinking. During the lecture, we explained how various ideological influences can easily penetrate the worldview of young people in today's information space. We gave specific examples of the main signs of extremism, the socio-psychological factors that contribute to its emergence, and the threat that terrorism poses to society. We also emphasized the importance of not believing false information on the Internet, checking sources, and avoiding suspicious religious movements. We talked to the students about the importance of maintaining peace and mutual respect in their community, rejecting any unclear or dangerous proposals, and reporting any suspicious information or activities they may witness to the appropriate authorities. During the meeting, the children actively participated in the discussion, asked questions, and shared their thoughts on the topic. This demonstrated their keen interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the issue. By the end of the lecture, the students understood that preventing extremism and terrorism is the responsibility of every citizen, and that building a safe society begins with education and a well-informed perspective. The school community emphasized the importance of the meeting and highly appreciated the role of such informational and educational work in shaping the consciousness of young people. After that, we pointed out that there are professions that address and examine such issues, and we introduced those professions. We introduced the Department of Theology and Cultural Studies in the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, explaining that it trains specialists in this field. For example, the theology and Islamic studies programs prepare professionals who address these issues.
