On August 20, another clean-up day was held in Shymkent in the Al-Farabi district as part of the republican environmental campaign "Taza Kazakhstan". The initiator was the office of the district akim, and the event itself was attended by employees of the district administration, specialists of the Al-Farabi state municipal enterprise and active residents.

The goal of the event is simple, but very important: to create a comfortable and safe living environment in the city, to raise the level of environmental culture, and to show an example of how, through joint efforts, we can change the surrounding space.

As a result of the work, more than 70 people came out to clean the streets, courtyards and public areas. Four units of specialized equipment were used to collect and remove waste. Together, they managed to collect and remove about six tons of garbage that had been accumulating in the area.

Al-Farabi district occupies a special place in the urban structure: not only residential areas are located here, but also important cultural, business and educational centers. The high population density and active city life make the issue of the sanitary condition of the district especially relevant. That is why regular clean-up days have become part of the improvement system.

Compared to previous years, several positive changes can be noted. Just a few years ago, participation in such events was limited mainly to officials and public utilities. Residents, as a rule, remained on the sidelines, perceiving the cleanup as a task exclusively for city structures. However, in recent years, the situation has changed: young people, students, and concerned citizens are increasingly joining the events. This time, it was possible to notice that representatives of yard committees also came out to clean up, which became a good example of self-organization.

Particular attention should be paid to the technical equipment of the clean-up days. If previously the cleaning was carried out mainly manually, now the district administration is using specialized machines: loaders, dump trucks, and garbage removal equipment. This allows for the elimination of the volume of waste in a few hours, which would previously have taken several days.

Comparing the current campaign with similar events of previous years, we can say that the organizational evolution is also noticeable. For example, in 2021, as part of the spring campaign in the same area, it was possible to remove about 3 tons of garbage. Then the event was more symbolic: more emphasis was placed on drawing attention to the problem. This year, the work has become systemic: each clean-up day has a specific plan, and the results are measured by real indicators.

It is also important that such actions are no longer isolated. Now they are held every week and are no longer perceived as a one-time campaign, but as part of city life. This also changes the attitude of residents: they begin to understand that cleanliness depends not only on public utilities, but also on each individual.

The organizers note that the regularity of such clean-up days helps to develop an environmental culture. After all, participation in them is not just about cleaning up trash, but also about cultivating a respectful attitude towards the city. When a person cleans up the street with his own hands, he is unlikely to want to throw a piece of paper or a bottle in the wrong place again.

Participation of young people is especially important. In the Al-Farabi district, many students and schoolchildren come to such events voluntarily. For them, this is not only a contribution to the improvement, but also an opportunity to feel their involvement in a common cause. In previous years, such involvement was almost non-existent: everything was limited to official structures.

Another aspect is support from local businesses. Some entrepreneurs help with equipment, inventory, or even provide drinking water and gloves for participants. In 2025, this practice is becoming more widespread, which indicates the growth of social responsibility of business.

Such actions are important not only from the point of view of sanitation, but also as a way to unite society. Residents of the district, working side by side with officials and utility workers, understand that they have a common goal - to make the city cleaner and more comfortable. This reduces the distance between the authorities and the population, creates trust and a sense of unity.

Of course, one clean-up day is not enough to solve all environmental problems. But regularity and systematicity of events allow to gradually reduce the number of spontaneous dumps, eliminate garbage in time, and most importantly — prevent its occurrence. After all, cleanliness is not only the result of cleaning, but also the habit of each person.

On August 20, the cleanup day in the Al-Farabi district became yet another proof that changes are possible if all parties are involved: the government, utilities, residents and businesses. Compared to previous years, progress is noticeable: the actions are becoming more widespread, organized and effective.

A clean city is not only a beautification, but also an indicator of culture. And culture begins with responsibility. And if earlier environmental campaigns were perceived as a formality, now they are increasingly becoming a symbol of common concern for the future of Shymkent.