The "Book-Reading Nation" project, aimed at implementing the concept of Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the formation of a mass reading culture, is being implemented with particular momentum in the city of Shymkent. 66,000 people are participating in the project across the city. Including: 26,099 pupils, 18,233 students, 6,114 teachers, 15,510 families, and 546 civil servants. A truly intellectual environment has been created among the project participants, and reading books has become a daily habit. A new culture has emerged in the city, and interest is growing, especially among schoolchildren and families. Students' opinion: Shattyk Didar, a 9th grade student at school No. 35 named after M. Mametova: "What I like about the book is its connection with life. Through each work, I began to gain the necessary thoughts for myself and to understand more deeply what kind of person I want to be in the future. The choices of the characters show the importance of making the right decisions in life. I am currently reading M. Magauin's "The Death of the Greyhound". This book contains deep thoughts such as honesty, morality, and harmony with nature. Before that, I read Sh. Murtaza's "Black Pearl" - it reflects the issues of labor, human destiny, and responsibility. Also, D. Isabekov's story "Dermene" highlights the importance of family, tradition, and choice in human life." Shayakhmet Balkerim, a 10th grade student at Dostyq High School: "I have developed a habit of reading books systematically, and my interest in learning something new every day has increased. I am currently reading the book "Kanysh and the Scientific Front". This work shows the perseverance of great figures like Kanysh Satpayev in the path of science, the great importance of work and service to the country." Students' perspective: Saltanat Azamatovna, 2nd year student of Zh. Tashenov University: "Each book presented within the project has a lot to offer students. Through the classic works of Kazakh literature, I have gained a deep understanding of national spirituality and moral values. Motivational works teach me to develop myself, use my time effectively, and strive for goals." Bekarys Abylaikhanuly, a 2nd year student at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University: "The benefit of this project is that it contributes to the spiritual development of the younger generation, increasing respect for language and culture. I believe that a nation that is accustomed to reading books is the strongest nation, because it will be a nation rich not only in words, but also in thoughts. Therefore, I want this project to continue in the coming years and consider it part of the rejuvenation of our country." Aruzhan Sarimsak, 4th year student of Bolashak Higher College: "I am currently reading Dale Carnegie's "The Art of Public Speaking." This book helps you develop fluency in public speaking, confidence, and communication skills. It also contributes to personal self-improvement and effective communication with society." The "Reading Nation" project is increasing interest in reading in Shymkent. Project participants are gaining new knowledge, expanding their horizons, and accepting books as an important part of everyday life. This initiative gives young people and families an opportunity to think, gain self-confidence, and gain new experiences." The project is being implemented by the "Reading Nation - Reading Nation" public foundation and the Shymkent city administration with the support of the "Amanat" party. The regional sponsor is the "Asia Service" company.

The "Reading Nation" project, aimed at implementing the concept of mass development of a reading culture initiated by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is being actively implemented in the city of Shymkent. The project involves 66,000 people, including 26,099 schoolchildren, 18,233 students, 6,114 teachers, 15,510 families, and 546 government employees. A genuine intellectual community is developing among the project participants, and reading is becoming a part of everyday life. A new cultural tradition is emerging in the city, with interest growing especially among schoolchildren and families. Students' opinions: Shattyk Didar, 9th grade student at school No. 35 named after M. Mametova: "I love books for their connection to life. Each work helps me understand what thoughts are important to me and what kind of person I want to become in the future. The characters' choices demonstrate the importance of making the right decisions in life. I'm currently reading M. Magauin's "Tazynyң өлімі." This book touches on profound themes—honesty, humanity, and harmony with nature. I previously read Sh. Murtaza's "Kara Marzhan," which addresses issues of labor, human destiny, and responsibility. D. Isabekov's "Dermene" also places special emphasis on family, traditions, and the importance of life choices." Shayakhmet Balkerim, a 10th-grade student at Dostyq High School: "I've developed a habit of reading regularly, and my interest in new knowledge grows every day. I'm currently reading the book "Kanysh Zhane Gylymy Maidan." It showed me the perseverance of great figures like Kanysh Satpayev, the importance of hard work and service to one's country." Students' opinions: Saltanat Azamatkyzy, a second-year student at Zh. Tashenov University: "Each book presented as part of the project is of great value to the students. Through classic works of Kazakh literature, I gained a deeper understanding of the national spiritual heritage and moral values. Motivational books taught me how to develop myself, use my time wisely, and strive for goals." Bekarys Abylaikhanuly, second-year student at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University: "The project's benefit lies in the spiritual development of young people and the growth of respect for language and culture. In my opinion, a nation accustomed to reading is the strongest nation, for it is rich not only in words but also in thoughts. Therefore, I want the project to continue into the future and become part of the spiritual renewal of our country." Aruzhan Sarymsak, 4th year student at Bolashak College: "I'm currently reading Dale Carnegie's 'The Art of Public Speaking.' This book helps develop confident public speaking skills, communication skills, and self-confidence. It also promotes personal growth and effective social interaction." The "Reading Nation" project promotes reading in Shymkent. Participants gain new knowledge, broaden their horizons, and embrace books as an important part of everyday life. This initiative gives young people and families the opportunity to reflect, develop self-confidence, and gain new experiences.

In Shymkent, a project to improve the Koshkar Ata River is actively underway, aimed at improving the environment and creating a comfortable public space for residents. This initiative by the city's mayor's office, which prioritizes greening the city and the sustainable use of natural resources, is already beginning to yield concrete results. Koshkar Ata is a unique natural landmark, considered the core of Shymkent's historical and cultural landscape. Therefore, the river restoration project involves not only infrastructure upgrades but also maintaining the ecological balance and creating a favorable environment for the population. The project includes improvements to a 3,535-kilometer stretch of the river. Work is underway on this section to modernize the riverbed and regulate the natural water flow. The riverbed and banks are being cleared of debris, and bank reinforcement will prevent soil erosion. Another important aspect of the improvement work is to reduce the risk of flooding, which occurs when the river level rises during the rainy season. Murat Abdirakhmanov, Deputy Head of the City Department for the Development of a Comfortable Urban Environment: "This year, work was carried out to strengthen the 3.5-kilometer shoreline, starting from Zhangeldin Street. The shore was reinforced with natural stone, while preserving its natural appearance and vegetation as much as possible. Furthermore, a pedestrian walkway and other necessary infrastructure were built to create a comfortable environment for residents," he noted. The improvement work isn't limited to environmental measures. Creating modern infrastructure along the river is a key goal of the project. To this end, pedestrian paths are being built to ensure safe and convenient transportation for residents. Furthermore, to transform the embankment into a fully functional recreation area, the installation of 139 benches and 360 energy-saving lamps is planned. These lighting fixtures will improve the city's appearance and enhance safety by illuminating the area around the river at night. Seventy of these lamps have already been installed. An important part of the project is the construction of eight pedestrian bridges that will connect both banks of the river. Three of these have already been built and are operational. Once the project is fully completed, the Koshkar Ata River will become an attractive recreational area for Shymkent residents and visitors. Experts believe the renovated embankment will enhance the city's tourism potential and strengthen Shymkent's image as a modern metropolis.

The Koshkar Ata River improvement project, aimed at improving the ecological situation in Shymkent and creating a comfortable public space for residents, is being actively implemented. The initiative of the megalopolis akimat, which prioritized the issue of landscaping the city and the optimal use of natural resources, is now beginning to yield tangible results. Koshkar Ata is a unique natural object that is considered the core of the historical and cultural landscape of Shymkent. Therefore, the river restoration project is not only aimed at upgrading the infrastructure, but also at maintaining ecological balance and creating a comfortable environment for the population. The project envisages the restoration of a section of the river with a total length of 3.535 km. In this regard, work is underway to reconstruct the channel structure and regulate the natural flow of water. The riverbed and banks will be cleaned of debris, and it is planned to prevent water erosion by strengthening the banks. Improvement works are not limited to environmental measures. One of the main objectives of the project is to create a modern infrastructure along the river. For this purpose, pedestrian paths are being built, creating conditions for safe and comfortable movement of residents. In addition, it is planned to install 139 benches and 360 energy-saving lamps to turn the riverbank into a full-fledged recreation area. These lamps will improve the appearance of the city and increase safety by illuminating the river at night. Murat Abdrakhmanov, Deputy Head of the Urban Environment Development Department: - "This year, work was carried out to strengthen the 3.5-kilometer embankment starting from Zhangeldin Street. The embankment was reinforced with natural stones, preserving its natural shape and vegetation cover as much as possible. In addition, pedestrian paths and other necessary infrastructure elements were built to create a comfortable environment for residents," he noted. The construction of 8 pedestrian bridges connecting the two sides of the river is also an important part of the project. Currently, three of them have been completed and are available for the benefit of residents. 70 streetlights have also been installed, and the infrastructure is gradually turning into a full-fledged urban space. According to city experts, another important aspect of these improvements is to reduce the risk of flooding caused by rising river levels during the rainy season. The regulation of the channel and the reinforcement of the embankment will effectively reduce this risk. Upon completion of the project, the Koshkar Ata River will become an attractive recreational area for Shymkent residents and city guests. According to experts, the renovated embankment will increase the city's tourist potential and strengthen the image of Shymkent as a modern metropolis. The harmony of nature and urban infrastructure is also expected to have a positive impact on the city's environmental sustainability.

Chisinau, November 24, 2025 – The National Archives Agency and the National Library of Moldova, together with the Embassy of Kazakhstan, held a round table on the topic "Participation of Moldovans in the development of virgin lands in Kazakhstan in 1950-1960: socio-historical context, course, consequences."During the round table, the organizers sought to draw the attention of participants to a significant historical event for both Kazakhstan and Moldova, presenting it in an appropriate socio-political context, with an analysis of the legal framework and consequences for the development of both societies.The event served as a platform for discussing the possibilities and prospects of academic and cultural use of archival, library, museum and university materials on this topic. During the round table, special attention was paid to the working conditions and working days of volunteers from Moldova who arrived in the virgin lands of Kazakhstan.The speakers noted that in the early years of the development of virgin lands, hundreds of thousands of Soviet citizens arrived to Kazakhstan, including a significant number of residents of the Moldavian SSR. As a result of land reclamation works in 1954-1960, 41,836 thousand hectares of new lands were developed, of which 25,484 thousand hectares (61%) were on the territory of the Kazakh SSR, mainly in the northern regions: Kokshetau, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, Turgai and Tselinograd.Kazakh Ambassador Almat Aidarbekov in his speech noted the importance of this event, which allowed not only to remember history, but also to return the voice to the people, thanks to whom Kazakhstan and Moldova have gained new ties and human bridges that exist today. He also suggested studying the long–term consequences of virgin land development for Kazakhstan and Moldova, from demography to cultural ties.Former Minister of Youth and Sports of Moldova Octavian Țicu spoke about his trip to Kazakhstan as part of the "Memorial Expedition", during which he conducted research on the participation of Moldovans in the development of the virgin lands of Kazakhstan. At the same time, he noted the established close, personal and cultural relations between the Moldovans and Kazakhs who arrived, which still play a connecting role.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kishinev/press/news/details/1113367?lang=kk