Kozybayev University Joins the Nationwide “Reading Nation” Marathon

Kozybayev University has joined the nationwide “Оқитын ұлт” (“Reading Nation”) project, which features a six-month book marathon taking place across the country. Participants can register and complete all stages of the marathon on the project’s digital platform.

At our university, the project will engage the entire academic community in a culture of reading, from students to faculty members and researchers.

The national “Reading Nation” project is designed to strengthen intellectual potential, develop analytical thinking, and support national literature.

The marathon will run from September 2026 through March 2027. Participants will read a recommended list of 15 works, share their reviews, and take part in the final challenges. Winners will receive cash prizes.

At the university, the project is being implemented through two key tracks: “Reading University” — for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students; and “Reading Intellectual” — for faculty members, researchers, and higher education staff.

“Many people may think: for example, I am an engineer, so why would I need books about spirituality? But if a person has certain knowledge without a moral foundation, that knowledge may be used for purposes that do not benefit people. So, let’s all pick up a book! This is a wonderful initiative that will allow us to read 15 books over six months. And some participants may even read more. We will provide special incentives for the project’s top participants. After all, it is very important that we continue developing throughout our lives,” said Alimkhanov Mansur, Member of the Executive Board for Internationalization and International Programs.

The Kozybayev University Library is assisting participants with registration, consultations, and access to the necessary literature. During the event, participants were also able to select books that interested them and begin their reading marathon.

“The literature featured in the project includes fiction, books on self-development and personal growth, as well as books by Nobel Prize winners. Participants can choose to read in Kazakh or Russian. Books can be read both online and offline. For now, all of these books are available in the university library. You can borrow them for two weeks,” said Yermisheva Asiya, Director of the Scientific Library.

The university’s first meeting of the “Оqyrman” reading club was also held that day. Students and faculty members will share their views on literature, participate in the “Оқитын ұлт” project together, organize challenges and initiatives, and discuss the books they have read. The club will meet twice a month. Around 50 participants have registered so far, but anyone interested can still join the community of reading intellectuals.