Students of the KRU Pedagogical Institute met with military veterans.
The goal of the event was to pass on genuine, firsthand memories to the younger generation, preserve the legacy of our veterans’ heroism, and foster respect, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility for peace.
The meeting was organized by first-year students of the Department of Physics, Mathematics, and Digital Technologies under the guidance of instructor Zheniskul Demissenova and Professor Aibek Shalgimbekov.
Participants included students from various departments of the Pedagogical Institute as well as KRU faculty members.
The guests of honor were veterans from different generations and military campaigns.
Kassymkhan Aldabergenov, who celebrated his 100th birthday this year, is a World War II paratrooper who fought in Hungary, Austria, and Czechoslovakia.
Afghan War veterans Anatoly Kharchenko, Saule Erzhanova, and Sabit Tastavletov shared their memories and answered students’ questions.
– What was most important to you?
– Friendship and brotherhood. We were one family. Our officers treated us with respect and always supported us.
– War is often said to have no female face. Do you agree?
– No. Everyone is equal in war. As our colonel used to say: “There are no women here — you are all equal.”
One of the most touching moments were the words of encouragement from Saule Erzhanova:
“When I look at you, I remember Afghanistan and our boys… just as young as you. I want to tell you one thing: learn, strive forward, walk with honor and light. You are our future and our pride.”
In preparation for the event, students held several meetings with veterans of Kostanay, recording videos, taking photographs, gathering historical facts, and creating presentations.
The result was a genuine archive of memories — honest and full of life.
The meeting concluded with a moment of silence in memory of those who died.
