To the first class – with a union briefcase

The meeting room of the KazNU Academic Council has never seen such visitors – it was occupied by future first-graders, accompanied by their parents, younger siblings, as this is a memorable event for children.

The academic room was for toddlers, of course, "for growth", several children could be placed in the chair at once. But this did not break the joyful and solemn atmosphere of the holiday. The Parasat trade union of employees of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University gave out briefcases with all necessary stationery to children going to the first grade. This is a significant social event for the ninth time. This has become a good social help for parents working at the university. After all, a child's school fees are not only pleasant chores, but also tangible costs for the family budget. With the help of the trade union, 190 future first-graders received briefcases, notebooks, pens, pencils, pencil cases, watercolor paints and sketchbooks.

Representatives of the Parasat trade union demonstrated the contents of their portfolios in a playful way. They named things, and the future first-graders suggested whether they should take them with them to school or not. If the items that should be in the briefcase were named, the children clapped their hands. If these subjects are not needed at school, they stamped their feet. The game turned out to be fun and active.

Traditionally, portfolios are presented to future students by prominent scientists and representatives of the university administration. Acting Vice-rector for Social Affairs Zhulduz Yessimova said parting words to the first-graders. She noted that working with children is in line with achieving SDGs 3 and 4 – "Ensuring healthy lifestyles and promoting well-being for all at all ages" and "Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all."

Dosbol Baigunakov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of History, came to congratulate the first-graders. Although they graduated from school a long time ago, they remember their first briefcases well.

Two academicians of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Bisenbayev Amangeldy, Doctor of Biological Sciences and Doctor of Historical Sciences Karibayev Bereket, addressed the first–graders. On behalf of the parents, the mother of the future first-grader, Terekbayeva Zhazira, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of History, wished the children joyful discoveries and great success in mastering school sciences.

"As soon as you cross the threshold of the school, a new world will open before you. Learn with pleasure!" said Assel Zhanbolatkyzy, project manager of the Center for Commercialization of Technology and Creative Industry, mother of two twins. Zhuldyz Bekbauova, a professor at the Faculty of History, noted that this is not the first time many employees have received portfolios.

The guys immediately put on bright satchels and proudly took pictures. And someone couldn't resist, opened the "union" gift and looked inside. Albums with images of favorite characters, bright pencils and paints, erasers and pencil cases – accessories for studying will go with boys and girls to their first class in their lives.

Mukhan Amir, who will go to the 1st grade, told Mukagali Makatayev's poem about the Motherland.

The Chairman of the Parasat trade Union of employees of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University spoke about the social significance of the project. He believes that the "Pack a briefcase for a first grader" campaign will help many families of our employees prepare their children for school. Talgat Mekebayev stressed that since Chairman of the Board – Rector of KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebayev constantly notes that the main goal of the university's financial activities is to create the most favorable conditions for students and teachers, the trade union should also focus on solving these tasks. The solemn presentation of portfolios to future first-graders whose parents work at the university should become an integral part of the corporate culture. The Chairman of the trade union thanked the management of the KazNU Scientific Library for their help in organizing the celebration.

Olga LOZHNIKOVA,

Deputy Chairman of the Parasat Trade Union of KazNU employees

Zhuldyz BEKBAUOVA,

Professor of the Faculty of History