Astana hosted a seminar for members of regional advocacy groups on religious issues
On October 26-27, 2017, Astana hosted a two-day training seminar for members of regional advocacy groups on religious issues on the theme: «The effectiveness of advocacy on improving religious literacy of the population».
The event was organized by the Religious Affairs Committee of the Ministry of religious Affairs and civil society of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The purpose of this seminar was to study and discuss the most effective methods of work of information and explanatory groups on the implementation of state policy in the field of religions.
The event was attended by over 100 people, including the leadership of the Committee for religious Affairs MRACS RK, representatives of the Ministry of education and science of Kazakhstan, staff of anti-terrorist center of the national security Committee of Kazakhstan, the International center of cultures and religions, heads of regional Departments of religious Affairs and Centers for the study of religions, members of advocacy groups, scientists, theologians and religious scholars from all regions of the country.
On the first day of the training seminar, Acting Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee E. A. Ongarbayev paid special attention to «the need to improve the effectiveness of the AG as an important tool for preventing religious extremism». He also recommended using the knowledge gained at the workshop to work with target populations and point work.
Also on this day, the participants of the seminar were trained by: Professor of the Department of «Social and managerial technologies» of the ENU named After L. N. Gumilyov, Ph. D. Shakhanov E. A. and Director of the «Center for research of problems of religions of the East Kazakhstan region» Berkimbayeva I. K.
The second day of the workshop was devoted to the exchange of accumulated experience and the most effective methods of explanatory work among the members of regional AGs. Therefore, in her speech, Deputy Chairman of the Committee On religious Affairs abeldinova A. S. noted the importance of studying the best practices of individual regions when working with target groups of the population. She also encouraged AG members to actively use the knowledge gained in their work and share it with their colleagues in the field.
In addition, the head of the rehabilitation center of the NGO «Ansar» A. K. Sabdin conducted a training on the organization of rehabilitation work among followers and victims of destructive religious movements, as well as those convicted in penal institutions.
During the two-day seminar, an exchange of views on topical issues of the AG's activities took place, the most effective methods of work were identified, and specific proposals were developed to improve the quality of outreach among target groups of the population.
At the end of the event, the most active members of the outreach groups were presented with letters of thanks on behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of religious Affairs and civil society, as well as modern gadgets.
