Asking for Help Is a Sign of Courage: Fostering a Culture of Mutual Support Among Students

On November 11, 2026, an awareness-raising event entitled “Asking for Help Is a Sign of Courage” was held at the UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Development of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The event was organized and led by Assistant Professor Almagul Tursynbayevna Issanbekova. It was attended by second-year students enrolled in the 6B11201 – Environmental Protection and Life Safety educational program, as well as faculty members.

The main objective of the event was to foster a culture of mutual assistance, trust, and support among students and to develop their ability to seek help when facing challenging life situations. Particular emphasis was placed on the understanding that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an expression of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and care for one’s own well-being.

During the event, students discussed various real-life situations and exchanged views on the importance of psychological support, empathy, and mutual understanding. They also completed practical activities related to the topic and shared their thoughts and perspectives.

The event was aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – “Good Health and Well-being”, particularly Target 3.4, which emphasizes the promotion of mental health and well-being.

In conclusion, participants highlighted that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an important step demonstrating courage and personal responsibility. The event contributed to the development of students’ communication skills, the strengthening of their emotional resilience, and the promotion of a culture of mutual support within the university community.