MNU 2024 STUDENT INITIATION: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF TRADITION, UNITY, AND KINDNESS - MNU
MNU 2024 STUDENT INITIATION: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF TRADITION, UNITY, AND KINDNESS
28.11.2024
On November 26, one of the most remarkable and vibrant events of the year was held at the Zhekpe-Zhek Arena — the MNU 2024 Student Initiation Ceremony, commemorating the university’s 30th anniversary.
From the very beginning, the event captivated participants and spectators with an atmosphere of inspiration, creativity, and unity. The University’s four Schools showcased outstanding preparation, with each performance evoking a wave of emotions from the audience: pride, joy, admiration, and even moments of heartfelt tears.
FORMAL PART
A welcome speech by Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, opened the event as he congratulated first-year students on the beginning of a new stage in their lives. He has emphasised the significant role of education and the opportunities provided by the university and the state.
“Please do not fear. You are the best generation our independent country will be able to produce in years to come. You will have all the opportunities and all the possibilities that our country was able to give,” noted the Minister.
Sergey Pen, the Provost of Maqsut Narikbayev University, also shared his words of inspiration with the students.
In his speech, he highlighted the longstanding pursuit of freedom and unity of Kazakh people. He remarked on the esteemed role of the Kazakh biys (қазақ билері), honoured for their profound wisdom, fairness, and ability to communicate, resonating deeply with the community. The Provost emphasised that these values remain vital today, encouraging young people to contribute to the creation of a just and harmonious society.
First-year students recited a solemn oath — a tradition that dates back to 1994. This moment is a reflection of the students’ admission to the academic community and their commitment to the university’s values rooted in knowledge, honesty, and responsibility.
Spreading the largest flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan is another significant part of the ceremony since 2022, yet another tradition and a symbol of unity and patriotism. This solemn moment symbolises the significance of national values and unity in the pursuit of common goals.
SOCIAL PROJECTS
The 2024 Student Initiation Ceremony was not only an event of celebration but also an illustration of the students’ social responsibility. Representatives from each School presented large-scale projects aimed at social support, demonstrating the real power of unity as well as evoking the emotions of the audience.
The International School of Journalism arranged support for people with special needs and elderly citizens. Students conducted a series of activities aimed at supporting these groups, such as preparing food packages, holding cultural meetings, and creating videos on challenges faced by people with special needs. The project has become an important step towards raising public awareness on the issue and improving the quality of life of those in need of support.
The International School of Economics implemented a project aimed at the support of single mothers and their children. Since 2014, the School has been actively cooperating with the ‘Mother’s House’. Students and professors of the university held training on psychology, employment, and financial literacy for the mothers. In addition, they organised an art therapy that helped women express their emotions through creativity. The provision of new heating boilers and the delivery of 18 tonnes of coal with the support of the Digital Holding IT company has become another special achievement. Furthermore, the family of a first-year student who had lost a family pillar received invaluable help from students: they covered 4-year tuition fees at MNU for their fellow friend and supported the family at hard times.
The School of Liberal Arts focused on supporting elderly people living alone. Students prepared food packages, medicine, warm clothes, and other necessities. They personally visited the elderly, provided help with household chores, and engaged in heartfelt talks, bringing an atmosphere of warmth and care. The project has become a great illustration of the value of generations’ unity.
The Law School dedicated their efforts to helping people affected by the floods and in need of urgent support. Students organised clean-up days, visited animal shelters, and spent some of the raised funds on purchasing necessary items for the affected people. The project culminated with the provision of a flat to a single mother with a large family in cooperation with the Rakhmet Group Сonstruction Сompany.
“Unity brings about miracles,” the students remarked, quoting the words of Maqsut Narikbayev: “Society is bound by love, sustained by justice, and prospered through honest labour.”
CREATIVE PERFORMANCES
The creative segment of the MNU 2024 Initiation Ceremony was a true showcase of excellence, with each School presenting its topics through vibrant and thought-provoking performances. These performances not only highlighted the students’ talents but also addressed important social and cultural issues.
The International School of Journalism was presenting the topic of diligence and professionalism. In their performance, they demonstrated the value of each profession and its role in the development of society. A highlight of the performance was a video message by outstanding Kazakhstani people, such as:
1. Dilyara Kaidarova, Kazakhstani scientist, gynaecologist-oncologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, and Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Director of the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology, chief external oncologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
2. Maqsut Zhumayev, Famous Kazakh alpinist, Major of the Kazakhstan National Alpinist Team, Honoured Master of Sports in Alpinism of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
3. Aizhan Kulbayeva, Chairperson of the Specialised Inter-district Criminal Court of Astana.
This moment served as a reminder that diligence and commitment can be an inspiration not only to one’s nearest surroundings but also to a country as a whole.
The School of Liberal Arts captivated the audience with a powerful portrayal of independence and patriotism, bringing to life scenes that allowed the audience to travel back in time and reminded them of the value of freedom. The story took its beginning in Lenin’s office, where Alimkhan Yermekov argued for the return of Kazakh lands to the Kazakh SSR. Next, the members of Alash Orda appeared on the stage, leading to a poignant climax focused on the events of December 16th — one of the most significant and emotional moments in our history.
The Law School was presenting the topic of unity and solidarity with a performance in the format of an international wedding. This piece symbolised Kazakhstan’s diversity and cultural wealth, illustrating how friendship and mutual respect bring people together, regardless of their background.
The International School of Economics, in their turn, explored the topic of law and order, highlighting the connection between the past, present, and future. They emphasised that fair laws and the reinforcement of order yield the foundation for continuous societal progress.
Overall, each performance lasted 12 minutes, impressing the audience with its professionalism and emotional depth. Students received several standing ovations, as the precision of their acting and the depth of their ideas left a strong impact on the audience. The performances, which were the result of two months of dedicated preparation, reminded everyone that success is built on hard work, unity, and the pursuit of excellence.
THE CONCERT AND THE TRIUMPH OF CHAMPIONS
While the jury was summarising the results, one of the most anticipated events of the evening occurred on stage — the performance of the MNU 2024 Initiation Ceremony headliners, IRINA KAIRATOVNA!
Their concert truly marked the highlight of the event, leaving a lasting impression on both first- and senior-year students. Ultimately, the overwhelming energy and inspiration filled the hall, which allowed everyone to forget the fatigue from the intense four-hour programme of the ceremony.
The event concluded with the announcement of the results. After two stages of competition, the International School of Economics claimed victory, earning the title of Initiation Ceremony Champion for the third time.
CONCLUSION
In sum, the MNU 2024 Student Initiation Ceremony symbolised unity, inspiration, and responsibility. It served as a reminder to all those involved that youth can be the catalyst for progress, as well as that kindness and unity will always be rewarded a hundred times over.
Visually-impaired version 
