In 2025, Kazakhstan took significant steps to integrate Media and Information Literacy (MIL) into its compulsory education system, aiming to equip students with the skills to actively participate in the media environment, critically analyse information, create content, and engage responsibly in social and civic processes. The UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty collaborated with the National Academy of Education named after Y. Altynsarin to prepare the foundation for MIL integration into state education standards and secondary school curricula.
The project began with a three-day training workshop for 36 national specialists, including representatives from regional methodological centres, universities, and professional development institutions. Participants examined international approaches to MIL from both communication and education perspectives, explored methodological principles for policy integration, and learned tools to foster media literacy among students.
Following the workshop, a detailed analysis of current state standards and model curricula was conducted to identify opportunities for incorporating MIL components across subjects such as Language and Literature, Mathematics and Informatics, Natural Sciences, Person and Society, Technologies and Arts, and the Global Competencies course. The study found that while MIL elements were present in all core curricula, their inclusion was uneven and required systematic reinforcement.
To support educators, a methodological guide was developed, offering recommendations aligned with Kazakhstan’s state education policy, UNESCO competency frameworks, and updated secondary education standards. The guide provides practical guidance for integrating MIL into teaching practices and enhancing the quality of education amid ongoing digital transformation.
Regional workshops were held in five areas—Uralsk, Taraz, Semey, Pavlodar, and Almaty—engaging 25–30 methodologists per region. These sessions allowed participants to discuss MIL concepts, address implementation challenges, and form a professional network of specialists to support schools in adopting MIL.
The National Academy of Education worked closely with national MIL experts and media trainers to adapt international approaches to Kazakhstan’s school context. Their collaboration ensured that methodological materials were tailored to local needs and that educators were equipped to introduce MIL effectively across secondary education institutions.
