The President revealed who he considers the true “heroes of our time”

Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev defined those he considers the true "heroes of our time" during a meeting with school and university students who won or placed in international Olympiads, citing Akorda.
The President noted that the state will always support talented youth by creating the necessary conditions for quality education and comprehensive development.

"The world is changing so rapidly that no one can say for certain what it will look like even in the most immediate, foreseeable future. But some things remain constant: knowledge, self-belief, and hard work lead to success in any era. Only one thing can be said with confidence about the coming reality: the countries that lead will be those that have focused on developing human potential and implementing new technologies in the economy and all spheres of society. To ensure Kazakhstan's accelerated development, I have declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. And you, as talented young people, must be at the forefront of these creative processes," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

The President also addressed the laureates and all young compatriots with words of encouragement.

"The youth of Kazakhstan see you as an example and a source of inspiration. Education, science, innovation, and advanced technologies are the key tools for development in the modern era. In conditions of global competition, only educated and intellectually developed nations break ahead. This is why I consider you to be the true 'heroes of our time.' I want the youth of Kazakhstan to be patriotic, erudite, and hardworking. I hope that young people will be devoted to their country, care for nature, and become truly responsible citizens—Adal Azamat. In particular, I highly value and support the work of volunteers. I believe in our youth!" the Head of State emphasized.

Furthermore, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude to the teaching community for educating and uncovering the talents of the younger generation.

"Today, among us are esteemed educators and mentors who are raising an intellectual younger generation and helping their students join the ranks of the world's best. Your selfless work deserves profound respect. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all teachers engaged in what is perhaps the most noble cause—educating gifted children and preparing them for international competitions. Some of you are in this hall today. All distinguished teachers will not go unnoticed by the state. This is, one might say, a directive to the government and regional governors," he stated.

Following the speech, the President followed tradition by presenting the gold, silver, and bronze medalists with certificates for cash prizes amounting to 1,500, 1,000, and 500 monthly calculation indices, respectively.

Teachers and mentors of the winners and runners-up of prestigious international Olympiads were honored with high state awards.
Specifically, for outstanding achievements in education and special service to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded the Order of "Kurmet" to Meyramgul Kenzhekhanova, a teacher at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Astana, and Irina Nesterenko, a teacher at Lyceum No. 134 in Almaty.
The "Eren Enbegi Ushin" (For Distinguished Labor) medal was awarded to Zhanbolat Zholgeldiev, a methodologist at Edlight Academy in Astana; Karlygash Zholdybaeva, a teacher at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Karaganda; Vladimir Zhuk, a teacher at Haileybury Almaty; and Aigul Seitdaulet, a teacher at the "Bilim-Innovation" Lyceum in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
The "Shapagat" medal was awarded to Batyr Zharkyn, a teacher at the "Bilim-Innovation" Boarding Lyceum in Kyzylorda; Meruert Abaeva, a teacher at Lyceum No. 24 in Taldykorgan; Olzhas Amzeev, a teacher at the "Bilim-Innovation" Boarding Lyceum in Pavlodar; and Bakhyt Mamyshev, a teacher at the Republican Physics and Mathematics School in Almaty.

It should be noted that 21 laureates, along with their teachers and mentors, were invited to the formal event at Akorda. The laureates included 6 gold, 11 silver, and 4 bronze medalists who won in disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, geography, and linguistics.