On August 16, 2025, Shymkent hosted another citywide cleanup day, organized as part of the national environmental campaign "Taza Kazakstan." This time, special attention was paid to the participation of cultural, archival, and language development professionals, as well as young people, who, along with other city organizations, took to the streets to contribute to the cleanliness of the metropolis.

The large-scale event spanned various districts of the city. Participants cleared streets, courtyards, squares, and public spaces of accumulated trash, and also tidied up green areas. In total, several tons of household waste were removed from the city, a significant achievement of this collective effort.

What made this particular cleanup unique was the active participation of cultural workers—libraries, archives, and community centers—as well as artists and representatives of youth groups. While utility services and district akimats are usually involved in the cleanup, this time the initiative was also supported by those who work daily to promote the spiritual and cultural development of society. This underscores the idea that caring for the environment is not just the work of utility workers, but a shared responsibility in which everyone can play a vital role.

For cultural workers, participating in the cleanup day has become a symbolic gesture. After all, keeping streets and parks clean is also part of the overall culture of society. When librarians, musicians, or archivists join residents in cleanup efforts, it builds trust, unites people, and provides an example of how to combine spiritual values with practical actions.

The presence of young people was an important part of the campaign. Young professionals and students involved in the cultural sector not only helped clean the area but also engaged in outreach. They distributed leaflets, reminded passersby of the importance of caring for nature, and explained that even small steps—sorting waste, avoiding plastic, and keeping courtyards clean—can change the urban environment.

Comparing this cleanup with previous years, one can note a clear expansion in scale and involvement. In 2023, cultural representatives also participated in cleanups, but back then, such events were more of a one-off event, timed to coincide with holidays. For example, in the spring of that year, in the lead-up to Nauryz, museum and community center staff cleaned the areas around monuments and parks to ensure a clean holiday. In 2024, creative groups joined the effort, organizing short concerts for residents after the cleanup, reminding them that caring for nature can be not only beneficial but also festive.

However, in 2025, environmental events became more regular: cleanup days began to be held weekly, which significantly increased the volume of work accomplished. While in previous years, 10-15 tons of waste were collected and removed during a single cleanup day, now we're talking about 40 tons or more. This suggests not only that the scale has increased, but also that residents and organizations themselves are more willing to actively participate in such initiatives.

A significant result of this year's cleanup day was the fostering of a sense of shared responsibility for the urban environment. When utility workers, officials, librarians, artists, and young people work shoulder to shoulder during the cleanup, a sense of unity is created. Residents, seeing such a scene, are also more likely to join in. Thus, the cleanup day becomes more than just a chore, but a social movement uniting people of all professions and ages.

It's worth emphasizing that the cultural sector's involvement also has an educational effect. Those accustomed to seeing cultural workers on stage or in libraries perceive their participation in the cleanup as an object lesson. This demonstrates that caring for nature is part of a shared cultural code. This fosters a new perspective on ecology: it's not an abstract task, but a daily behavior in which everyone can make an effort.

The August 16 cleanup day in Shymkent marked another milestone in the "Taza Kazakstan" program. Organizers and participants emphasize that such events will continue, reaching more and more residents. The main achievement is that public engagement increases with each event, and with it, environmental awareness.

Comparing this year's cleanup day with previous years, it can be said that it has become more systematic, widespread, and effective. While environmentalism was previously perceived as a one-time holiday event, today it is gradually becoming a part of city life. A clean city means a comfortable environment, and Shymkent residents increasingly recognize that this is a shared goal that requires constant attention.

Thus, the recent cleanup event, attended by cultural representatives and young people, not only helped clean the city streets but also demonstrated a new level of public awareness. Experience from previous years shows that such initiatives should be regular and widespread. And that's exactly what Shymkent is doing today: turning city cleanup into a tradition that unites people for the future.