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The best teachers of Kazakhstan gathered at Auezov University for the national debate tournament “Ustaz Cup”
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On 27–28 September 2025, Shymkent welcomed teachers from across the country to the inaugural National Debate Tournament for educators, held at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University. Around 40 teachers representing 16 regions of Kazakhstan came together to compete for the title of best teacher in a spirited intellectual competition.
The tournament coincided with Teacher's Day and was held under the theme "Ustazdyq etken jalyqpas" ("The Teacher's Calling Knows No Weariness"), was organised by the Public Foundation Ozgerteam in partnership with the Republican Educational and Methodological Centre for Extracurricular Education of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the support of Auezov University. A total of twenty teams participated, with several of these comprising school principals actively promoting debate culture within their respective institutions.
At the official opening, the Acting Chairman of the Board and Rector of the University, Yernar Imangaliyev, welcomed the participants and emphasised that the Ustaz Cup is “not just a contest of knowledge and skill, but an intellectual platform uniting educators, where innovative ideas are born and valuable experience is shared”. He also highlighted the significant role of the university’s debate club, Aqiqat, which has hosted nearly 100 tournaments and consistently excelled at national competitions over its 23 years of existence. Today, the club teaches young people the art of debating and develops their intellectual potential, eloquence and leadership qualities.
Murat Zhumanbai, the founder and director of the Ozgerteam Foundation and a debate expert, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “Debate technologies are among the most effective tools of extracurricular education, nurturing well-rounded individuals who will become responsible citizens and active members of society. It is vital for us to support teachers who implement debates in their practice and contribute to the growth of school debate communities. The Ustaz Cup should be a platform where progressive teachers can demonstrate their debating skills and exchange the best methods for teaching and raising the younger generation.”
During the two-day tournament, there were intense debates in both APF and PDF formats. Winners received cash prizes and certificates. APF Format
1st Place – “Baitursynuly” faction (500,000 KZT)
Arghynbai Rakhat (Shymkent)
Asembek Duman (Almaty)
2nd Place – “Shyng” faction (200,000 KZT)
Dagystan Altynbek (Kokshetau)
Rakhymzhanov Meirambek (Kokshetau)
3rd Place – “Masha and the Bear” faction (200,000 KZT)
Orynbasar Aizhan (Kyzylorda)
Nabat Duman (Kyzylorda)
3rd Place – “Baidibek” faction (200,000 KZT)
Baibatsha Raman (Turkistan)
Tuzubek Darkhan (Turkistan)
PDF Format
Best Speaker – Binur Akhatkyzy (Semey) – 100,000 KZT
Excellent Speaker – Arman Menlibekov (Zhambyl)
Best Judge – Dinnmukhammed Tansyk – 50,000 KZT
The organisers have announced their intention to make the Ustaz Cup an annual event, with the hope of holding it in different regions of Kazakhstan.
This national tournament is a new initiative that inspires teachers and emerging leaders, broadening their horizons and providing opportunities for personal development and success.
The tournament coincided with Teacher's Day and was held under the theme "Ustazdyq etken jalyqpas" ("The Teacher's Calling Knows No Weariness"), was organised by the Public Foundation Ozgerteam in partnership with the Republican Educational and Methodological Centre for Extracurricular Education of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the support of Auezov University. A total of twenty teams participated, with several of these comprising school principals actively promoting debate culture within their respective institutions.
At the official opening, the Acting Chairman of the Board and Rector of the University, Yernar Imangaliyev, welcomed the participants and emphasised that the Ustaz Cup is “not just a contest of knowledge and skill, but an intellectual platform uniting educators, where innovative ideas are born and valuable experience is shared”. He also highlighted the significant role of the university’s debate club, Aqiqat, which has hosted nearly 100 tournaments and consistently excelled at national competitions over its 23 years of existence. Today, the club teaches young people the art of debating and develops their intellectual potential, eloquence and leadership qualities.
Murat Zhumanbai, the founder and director of the Ozgerteam Foundation and a debate expert, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “Debate technologies are among the most effective tools of extracurricular education, nurturing well-rounded individuals who will become responsible citizens and active members of society. It is vital for us to support teachers who implement debates in their practice and contribute to the growth of school debate communities. The Ustaz Cup should be a platform where progressive teachers can demonstrate their debating skills and exchange the best methods for teaching and raising the younger generation.”
During the two-day tournament, there were intense debates in both APF and PDF formats. Winners received cash prizes and certificates. APF Format
1st Place – “Baitursynuly” faction (500,000 KZT)
Arghynbai Rakhat (Shymkent)
Asembek Duman (Almaty)
2nd Place – “Shyng” faction (200,000 KZT)
Dagystan Altynbek (Kokshetau)
Rakhymzhanov Meirambek (Kokshetau)
3rd Place – “Masha and the Bear” faction (200,000 KZT)
Orynbasar Aizhan (Kyzylorda)
Nabat Duman (Kyzylorda)
3rd Place – “Baidibek” faction (200,000 KZT)
Baibatsha Raman (Turkistan)
Tuzubek Darkhan (Turkistan)
PDF Format
Best Speaker – Binur Akhatkyzy (Semey) – 100,000 KZT
Excellent Speaker – Arman Menlibekov (Zhambyl)
Best Judge – Dinnmukhammed Tansyk – 50,000 KZT
The organisers have announced their intention to make the Ustaz Cup an annual event, with the hope of holding it in different regions of Kazakhstan.
This national tournament is a new initiative that inspires teachers and emerging leaders, broadening their horizons and providing opportunities for personal development and success.
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