On December 16, 2025, the Agrotechnical College in the village of Saumalkol hosted a lecture-meeting with an expert, organized by the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Botai.” The event was held on the eve of the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan and aimed to foster patriotism, spark interest in history, and raise awareness of the value of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage. The program brought together college representatives, public figures, students from the district, young researchers, and students from the Zeynep Multidisciplinary Higher College in the village of Lobanovo.
Historian and expert E.Zh. Bukenov delivered an overview of the key stages in the formation of independent Kazakhstan — tracing the journey from historical foundations to contemporary achievements.

The audience listened with great interest to reports from students and schoolchildren, including:
• “Ceramics and Ceramic Vessels of the Botai Culture”
• “Botai Dwellings as a Symbol of the Deep Roots of Kazakh Statehood” — by Arina Kislovskaya
• “Amazing Discoveries: Ancient People and Mysterious Operations” — by Ratmir Zhaksybayev and Arlan Murat
• “How the Amulets of the Botai Reflect Their Worldview” — by Danel Amirzhanova and Yanina Zalevskaya

Guests also watched a video highlighting modern Kazakhstan — a country confidently developing while preserving its history. A quiz entitled “Through the Pages of Independence” sparked particular enthusiasm, allowing students to showcase their knowledge and earn well-deserved awards. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and congratulations on the upcoming Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. History is not only the past — it shapes our present and guides our future. Today, the youth of the Ayyrtau district demonstrated that a genuine interest in the heritage of their land provides a strong foundation for the continued development of an independent Kazakhstan.