A training session titled “Stress in Our Lives”

On November 13, a training session titled “Stress in Our Lives” was held in Dormitory No. 9 for freshmen and sophomore students. The event brought together 25 participants, most of whom were first-year students adjusting to university life. The training was conducted as part of the joint project between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the NGO Partners in Health. Since 2023, this collaboration has grown into a meaningful tradition aimed at expanding psychosocial support programs for young people. The session was facilitated by third-year psychology students — Aizhаn Dostnova, Dinara Krykbaeva and Sabina Zhangazinova — volunteers working within the peer-to-peer model. This approach helps create a supportive and relatable atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences. During the session, participants explored what stress is, why it accumulates, and which challenges students most often face when living away from their families. They shared personal stories, discussed real-life situations from dormitory life, practiced breathing techniques, and created individual “resource maps” to strengthen their coping skills. This training was especially valuable for first-year students, who are now navigating a key adaptation period: learning to live independently, managing increased academic demands, forming new social connections, and developing effective stress-management strategies during a time of transition. We sincerely thank all participants for their openness, energy, and commitment to supporting their mental well-being.