A ceremonial event titled “Ata Akbabayev — the Great Master of the Mentorship School” was held at a specialized school in the city of Mary. The meeting, organized by the Main Department of Education of the velayat, was dedicated to the memory, creative work, and rich pedagogical legacy of Ata Akbabayev, an Honored Education Worker of Turkmenistan.

Ata Akbabayev left a profound mark on the history of national education. In 1991, he became the winner of the country’s very first “Teacher of the Year” competition, while his unique open lesson broadcast on national television in 1988 became a model for generations of teachers.

The educator’s experience in teaching the Turkmen language was officially studied by the Ministry of Education and later introduced throughout the country. He is the author of school textbooks, valuable methodological guides such as “Mährem mugallym” and “Mukaddes ojak,” as well as numerous scientific articles. For his achievements, he was awarded the medal “Watana bolan söýgüsi üçin.”

As part of the event, participants viewed an exhibition of the mentor’s personal belongings and works, and also watched a biographical video presentation. Colleagues, students, and heads of regional educational institutions noted that Akbabayev’s methodological school continues to live on today.

Particular pride comes from the fact that Turkmenistan has successfully preserved a dynasty of educators: Ata Akbabayev’s children and grandchildren followed in his footsteps and now work at schools themselves. The son and grandson of the outstanding teacher expressed sincere gratitude to the state for carefully preserving the memory of their father and grandfather, who devoted his entire life to educating the younger generation.

ORIENT