Monologue by Rustam Abildin

In this episode, Rustam Abildin, a teacher from Karaganda, takes the stage with a stand-up about his work and life at school. His monologue is an honest, ironic, and at times painful story about what it’s like to be an educator in Kazakhstan, especially in the challenging district of Maikuduk.

Rustam humorously recalls his everyday life: from funny stories on public transport and in taxis to absurd situations in the classroom, where he has to deal with bullying and difficult teenage personalities. He shares his observations on how bullying has changed — from the street fights of the past to modern cyberbullying, which often goes unnoticed or misunderstood by the older generation of teachers.

In his performance, he speaks openly about his own school experiences: the teasing, first crushes, and even a 'poetic duel' that left a lasting mark on his life. He turns these stories into material for his lessons, with irony but also an important message about mutual respect.

A separate part of his story is devoted to family. Rustam, with self-irony, describes the daily life of a father, the challenges of raising a daughter, and his wife's playful teasing, showing that even outside of school, a teacher remains an ordinary person with his own flaws.

Behind the humor and jokes in his monologue lies a serious conversation about the cycle of bullying, which continues from generation to generation, and how difficult it is to break. He touches on the topic of school uniforms, which do not solve the problem of social inequality, and reflects on what children really need — not identical clothes, but respect and support.

This episode is about the fact that school can be harsh, but there is always room for laughter and honest conversation. Rustam shows that even difficult topics can be discussed with humor, making them more relatable and understandable for everyone.