Development of the ENU Silver University in the context of lifelong learning

Since 2021, the L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University has been implementing Silver University programs based on the Institute of Continuing Education (INE), focused on the personal, creative and professional development of older people within the framework of the lifelong learning concept.

The L. N. Gumilyov ENU was one of the first universities in the country to join the organizational work on the creation of the Kazakhstan Association of Silver Universities. An important stage in the development of the project was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the International Association of Universities of the Third Age (AIUTA), which made it possible to expand international cooperation and ensure the exchange of best educational practices.

Education at the Silver University of ENU is provided free of charge. Residents of the capital aged 50+ have the opportunity to apply for enrollment using an electronic digital signature (EDS) through a digital platform. smart.enu.kz , and upon successful completion of the courses, receive electronic certificates.

In 2025, 495 students were trained in 25 educational courses implemented in cooperation with the university faculties. The most popular is the "Linguistic course for travel and tourism". English, Arabic, French and Chinese language courses were organized throughout the year. During the summer, based on the theoretical knowledge gained, practical communication was conducted with a native English speaker in the "American Corner" of the Otyrar Scientific Library.

The courses "Public speaking", "Kazakh practical for all", "Culture and civilization in globalization processes" make a significant contribution to the development of students' communicative and cultural competencies. For the second year in a row, a speech genre club has been successfully operating on the basis of the L. N. Gumilev Museum, contributing to the development of a culture of speech and interpersonal communication.

The demand for courses on digital literacy and information security remains consistently high. The audience is particularly interested in the use of social networks and artificial intelligence tools. In this regard, the courses "Social Networks" and "Artificial Intelligence and digital literacy: tools of a new era" are being implemented.

A memorandum of cooperation with the IVP rehabilitation Center has been in effect for the second year as part of the interagency cooperation. Together with the teachers of the Department of Physical Education, the course "Therapeutic physical education for active longevity" was organized, aimed at strengthening the health and improving the quality of life of the students.

Every year, the course "Fundamentals of Tourism and Hospitality" and the program "Harmony with Nature: Travel and Health" are implemented in a creative format. Students also actively participate in the courses "Political culture and Ideology", "Political Science", "Fundamentals of legal culture". Creative directions — "Luxury of color", "Wisdom in loops", "Abstract neurography" — contribute to the development of artistic thinking, self-expression and the unification of participants by interests.

On December 27, the results of the activities of the ENU Silver University were summed up. Lecturers who treat each listener with high professionalism, respect and patience make a significant contribution to the implementation of the project. Raushan Imanzhusup, Nelya Shapekova, Layla Mutaliyeva, Kuralai Seitkazina, Symbat Akhmetova, Gulnaz Ganieva, Talgat Anarbekov and Zhazira Bisenova were particularly noted for their generously transferred knowledge and contribution to the development of education for the older generation.

Grateful students share their positive feedback at the end of each course. For example, student Valentina Kovyazina noted that the Silver University project is an integral part of ENU's strategy for the development of continuing education and social engagement, emphasizing the university's role as a center for lifelong learning and intergenerational interaction.

As a result of the discussion with the listeners, new tasks were formed that reflect their current interests and requests. As part of the further development of the project, the Institute of Continuing Education plans to expand cooperation with the Center for Active Longevity of the Akimat of Astana, including in the area of interaction with schoolchildren and students.

In the coming year, the L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its foundation, and relevant preparatory and organizational work is currently underway.