MEETING HELD ON DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

Our university hosted a meeting entitled “Drug Abuse Prevention and the Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle as a Foundation for Young People’s Well-Being.”

The event aimed to prevent drug use among young people, provide comprehensive information about its harmful effects on physical health, psychological well-being and social life, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The meeting was jointly organised by our university and the Turkistan Regional Branch of the Youth Wing of the Adilet Party.

During the meeting, specialists explained the medical, psychological, social and legal consequences of drug addiction. They encouraged young people to avoid harmful habits and take responsibility for their health.

The event contributed to strengthening young people’s values, developing their ability to make sound decisions and fostering a firm rejection of drugs.

The speakers included Akmarzhan Kalmakhan, a representative of the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention; Yermakhan Myrzabai, Deputy Chair of the Turkistan Regional Branch of the Youth Wing of the Adilet Party; Zhansaya Omirtayeva, Head of the Public Development and Psychological Support Department at the Youth Resource Centre of the Turkistan Regional Department of Public Development; Police Lieutenant Colonel Marat Bimakhanov, Senior Detective for Particularly Important Cases at the Drug Crime Prevention Directorate of the Turkistan Regional Police Department; and Gulziya Karsybai, Detective for Particularly Important Cases at the Department of Economic Investigations for the Turkistan Region.

The speakers provided detailed information about the routes of HIV transmission and preventive measures, the harmful effects of drug addiction on a person’s health and future, the legal consequences of involvement in money-mule schemes, and the psychological well-being of young people.

They also emphasised the importance of avoiding drugs, rejecting suspicious offers, refraining from unlawful activities and making sound decisions in every situation. Young people were encouraged to take responsibility for their health, avoid harmful habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The event also featured games designed to improve students’ legal awareness. Participants who demonstrated initiative, knowledge and resourcefulness received special gifts.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Vice-Rector for Social and Cultural Development Edil Tolegenov addressed the participants:

“Long ago, there lived a highly educated and perceptive sage. One day, a king decided to test him. He caught a butterfly, held it in his hand and asked the sage, ‘Is the butterfly in my hand alive or dead?’ If the sage answered that it was alive, the king intended to crush it; if he said it was dead, the king would release it. The sage replied, ‘Everything is in your hands.’

Dear young people, the lesson of this story is that our lives largely depend on the choices we make. Becoming a good person, gaining knowledge and striving towards new opportunities and a brighter future are all in your hands. Choosing the wrong path is also up to you, but its consequences will be severe. Therefore, value your time, pursue knowledge and remain open to new discoveries.”

The meeting provided an important opportunity to explain to young people the importance of rejecting harmful habits, complying with the law and taking responsibility for their future.