Психологи КазНУ объединяют науку и практику в работе с молодежью

On September 17, a workshop in Almaty brought together psychologists and professionals from leading universities across the city. The event marked the completion of a three-year stage in the development, piloting, and refinement of the “My Choice” prevention program.

The program was launched at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in 2023 as a project aimed at preventing psychoactive substance use among young people, with the support of Partners in Health. Student volunteers were trained to deliver the program using a peer-to-peer approach. Experience gained through implementation and feedback from participants and professionals provided the basis for its further development.

A new stage is linked to research project BR24993083, “Presuicidal Attitudes as a Comprehensive Indicator and Monitoring Target: A Population Study of Youth and Young Adults in Kazakhstan.” The program was expanded to include materials on the early recognition of emotional distress, peer support, and timely help-seeking. This work resulted in the second, revised and expanded edition of the “My Choice” practical manual.

The final workshop provided a platform for sharing the updated program with professionals and continued the collaboration between science, practice, and the non-governmental sector in promoting the psychological well-being of young people.

The workshop was conducted by Zabira Madaliyeva and Sandugash Kudaibergenova.

 It was organized by the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, with the support of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the NGO Partners in Health.