ENU discussed the issue of training social workers
An expanded meeting of the project management group of the Republican Educational and Methodological Council of the Educational and Methodological Association in the field of personnel training "Social Work" was held at the Eurasian National University.
The event was held on the theme "Fair Kazakhstan: law and order, economic growth, public optimism: the contribution of universities to improving the human resources of the social protection system."
The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, universities and non-governmental organizations.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss strategic directions and practical measures to strengthen the contribution of universities to increasing the human resources potential of the social protection system in the context of building a "Just Kazakhstan".
The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, noted that the concept of "inclusion" is being rethought in the world.
"This is not only about creating a barrier-free environment, but also about including everyone who does not have physical abilities or people with any other disabilities.
As part of the World Bank project, we have reviewed all the curricula of pedagogical universities with the help of Finnish partners. 30 new curricula have been developed, where inclusion is the basic principle. Instead of preparing the general mass of teachers separately, we decided to prepare everyone the same way so that each teacher understands what inclusion is and is certified. Within the framework of this project, 25 universities were equipped with special classrooms and research complexes," the minister said.
The participants discussed the problems of training innovative personnel in social work, topical issues of continuing education of social workers with the participation of universities, as well as the contribution of employers to the formation of competencies of future professionals in the field of social work.
"L.N.Gumilyov ENU is actively developing educational programs on social work. We strive to ensure that our graduates not only have deep professional knowledge, but are also ready to solve practical problems that arise in their professional field. As part of the educational process, we pay great attention to studying the world experience in social work and introducing innovative approaches," said Yerlan Sydykov, Rector of the L.N.Gumilyov ENU.
According to the rector, ENU is implementing the international SOLID research project with Frankfurt and Shanghai Universities, aimed at introducing the best standards of theory and practice of social work.
University scientists are participating in a large-scale project "Kazakh society in the context of digital transformation: prospects and risks", which aims to solve the problems of vulnerable segments of the population through digital solutions.
In addition, the ENU and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan are jointly developing professional standards and educational initiatives aimed at supporting social policy and improving its effectiveness.
Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askarbek Yertayev focused on the key vectors of the development of the social work system.
"There are more than 35,000 social workers working in Kazakhstan today. Only 12% of social workers have specialized education, which indicates the need for their active training and new specialists.
This year, professional standards have been developed to improve the quality of personnel, taking into account international standards. More than 8,5 thousand social workers have completed specialized training this year.
Starting next year, social workers will be able to undergo retraining and advanced training at 14 universities in the country. We have also signed a memorandum with the Eurasian National University," the Vice Minister said.
During the meeting, Vice-rector for Socio-cultural Development of ENU Lyazat Tolegenkyzy also spoke about the university's innovative potential in training social workers.
Maria Shubina, Head of the Astana City Center for Child and Family Support, shared information about the expectations and contribution of the employer regarding the competencies of graduates of educational programs in social work.
Altynbek Zulkhazhav, Manager of the ENU Digital Development Sector, presented the Inclusive Guide navigation system for visually impaired people. The participants also got acquainted with the work of the L.N. Gumilyov ENU Center for Inclusive Support. A round table was also held as part of the expanded meeting.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sci/press/news/details/906072