ALMATY—In a significant stride towards fostering understanding and cooperation in Kazakhstan’s richly diverse cultural and religious tapestry, LYNC and Caspian University have inked a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), laying the groundwork for developing a Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy curriculum.
The collaboration between LYNC and Caspian University, renowned for its academic excellence, underscores a shared commitment to promoting religious literacy and fostering intercultural dialogue. The curriculum aims to advance multi-faith understanding and social cohesion in cities throughout the country.
With support from the Kazakhstani government and the best local and international experts, the curriculum will be a unique advanced training—an indispensable resource—for government employees involved in religious affairs.
Also, in a testament to the dedication and vision behind LYNC’s Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy (CCRL) initiative, two distinguished figures, Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh and Dr. Julia Kharkova, have been enlisted to enrich the program and tailor it to Kazakhstan’s unique context.
Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh, renowned for his expertise as Assistant Dean of Graduate Law Programs at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law and Managing Director at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, brings a wealth of experience to the CCRL project. With a multifaceted background spanning law, mediation, and academia, Dr. Singh’s insights promise to be invaluable in shaping both pre-course and course materials.
Dr. Singh’s expertise complements that of Dr. Julia Kharkova, Strategic Development Director at Caspian University. Dr. Kharkova’s successful completion of training focused on understanding the CCRL signifies a pivotal step in tailoring the curriculum to align with Kazakhstan’s cultural nuances and educational needs.
The collaboration between LYNC, Caspian University, and Pepperdine, bolstered by government support, represents a commendable endeavor to bridges of understanding across religious and cultural divides. As Kazakhstan charts its course toward a future defined by diverse understanding, initiatives such as these stand as a testament to the transformative power of education and dialogue in shaping a more secure, prosperous, and cohesive society.