International Conference on School Education Held in Almaty
On April 7, 2025, an international scientific-practical conference titled “Effective School Education: Mentorship, Technologies, and Equal Opportunities” took place in Almaty. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Information Technology University (IITU), and the Akelius Foundation. It brought together educators, researchers, and representatives of international organizations to discuss pressing issues in contemporary school education.
The conference served as an important platform for experience exchange and discussion of the challenges faced by educational institutions in the context of digitalization and the development of inclusive education. Key topics included mentorship as a tool for educational leadership, digital pedagogy and hybrid learning models, as well as inclusive approaches for working with diverse groups of students.
One of the key initiatives discussed was the Akelius program, an innovative tool for blended learning. The platform is already being implemented in schools across major cities in Kazakhstan — Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent — supporting children affected by migration, as well as students with gaps in their academic knowledge. The program emphasizes teaching foreign languages through digital technologies that can be adapted to meet each learner’s individual needs.
Conference participants proposed several measures to further develop digital and inclusive education. Special attention was given to integrating the Akelius platform into the educational process, including through the “Örleu” Center for Pedagogical Excellence. Participants also recommended expanding blended learning models to rural schools, where Akelius could become an accessible and effective educational tool.
The discussion also addressed new technologies such as neural networks and artificial intelligence, which have the potential to significantly enhance language teaching. Participants highlighted the importance of providing methodological support to teachers, fostering mentorship, and improving subject-specific teacher training based on the principles of blended learning.
The conference also showcased successful case studies of implementing the Akelius platform in inclusive classrooms, creating creative pedagogical teams, and organizing training sessions as part of a broader strategy to develop an innovative educational environment. One of the proposals was to recognize language skill development through the Akelius platform as a key factor in mastering other academic subjects.
In conclusion, participants emphasized the importance of pedagogical mentorship, methodological support, and strengthening collaboration between universities and schools — all of which, in their view, are essential for the successful development of school education in Kazakhstan.
Resolution following the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Effective Education in Schools: Mentorship, Technologies, and Equal Opportunities”
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