From Taraz to Shymkent: The "Taza Qazaqstan" relay race unites youth, government, and society around good deeds
06.10.2025 12:35:09 314.png)
A large-scale environmental movement, the "Taza Qazaqstan" road relay race , continues in Kazakhstan. It was organized by the youth wing of the Zhastar Ruhy party under the AMANAT party with the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan . The goal of this initiative is to raise environmental awareness among citizens, unite youth, society, and the government around the idea of caring for nature, and make environmental stewardship a part of everyday life.
In his Address to the Nation, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized:
"Being concerned about the environment, treating it with great responsibility and sincere care should become part of the national ideology."
This message became the main inspiration for the participants of the campaign. After all, ecology is not just about cleaning up trash, but an indicator of a nation's culture, societal awareness, and concern for the country's future.
The relay route runs from Taraz to Shymkent —approximately 200 kilometers along a busy highway, where thousands of cars pass daily. This section was chosen deliberately: a large amount of household waste accumulates along the road, and it was here that activists decided to remind everyone that cleanliness is a choice, a responsibility, and a manifestation of love for one's native land.
This initiative goes beyond simple cleanups. The relay race has become a true example of how the government, society, and young people can join forces for a green future . Over the course of three days, more than 200 participants covered over 500 kilometers , covering six districts and one city in the Zhambyl region. The results were impressive: over 90 tons of trash were collected , approximately 30 tons of which were removed in just one day . These figures demonstrate not only the scale of the problem but also the growing activism of citizens willing to take action.
The campaign brought together representatives of various professions and ages: students, volunteers, government employees, teachers, entrepreneurs, and simply concerned residents. Together, they demonstrated that caring for nature is a common cause that unites people more powerfully than words.
In addition to the cleanup, the relay included educational and training events . Participants learned about waste separation, plastic recycling, and reducing the use of single-use materials. Young people participated in eco-quizzes, flash mobs, and competitions aimed at increasing environmental awareness. Schools and colleges also held workshops on creating useful items from recycled materials.
In many communities along the route, residents greeted the participants enthusiastically. Schoolchildren and students were particularly active. They not only helped collect trash but also spread the word among their peers, explaining the importance of littering and protecting the environment. For many young people, participating in the event was their first conscious environmental experience.
Along the route from Taraz to Shymkent, activists not only cleaned the roads but also improved the surrounding areas: they cleaned roadside areas, planted trees and flowers, painted benches, and installed recycling bins. Such actions not only improve the appearance of the regions but also foster a culture of respect for the environment.
As the organizers note, "Taza Qazaqstan" is not a one-day event, but a lifestyle.
The purpose of the relay isn't just to clean a specific area, but also to change people's mindsets. After all, cleanliness doesn't start with a broom—it starts with the mind.
The head of the youth wing of "Zhastar Ruhi" emphasized that the participation of the state, society, and youth in such projects exemplifies a new model of interaction:
"Ecology is a field where the outcome depends on everyone. If each of us takes responsibility for keeping our surroundings clean, we will change the country. 'Taza Qazaqstan' is a movement that unites caring people and shapes a new generation—a generation of conscious citizens."
A young student named Aidana, who participated in the event, shared her impressions:
"Over these three days, we walked hundreds of kilometers, collected tons of trash, but most importantly, we felt like we were doing something truly important. Each bag of trash is a symbol of how we can change the world with our own hands. We were physically tired, but mentally strengthened."
Local authorities also supported the campaign. Representatives from akimats and government agencies not only observed from the sidelines, but also participated in the cleanup alongside volunteers. In some districts, decisions were made to establish additional recycling centers and environmental patrols.
The relay became a shining example of social partnership : when the state provides support, young people take the initiative, and society actively engages in the process. This collaboration demonstrated that ecology can become a unifying idea, around which a sense of national responsibility can be fostered.
The final leg of the relay took place in Shymkent , where the participants were greeted with great enthusiasm. Environmental exhibitions, competitions, tree plantings, and flash mobs also took place. Residents enthusiastically supported the participants and expressed their desire to make such events a regular occurrence.
Thus, "Taza Qazaqstan" has become a large-scale movement that doesn't just clean the streets, but also clears minds. It unites regions, inspires activism, and develops a culture of responsibility for a common future.
The route from Taraz to Shymkent has become more than just a geographical route—it has become a symbolic bridge between generations, regions, and worldviews.
He reminded everyone that caring for nature means caring for yourself, for your children, and for the future of Kazakhstan.
Today, "Taza Qazaqstan" is not just a campaign, but a new philosophy of cleanliness and responsibility.
Its participants proved that even small steps, when taken by many people, can lead to big changes.
Purity is a choice. Responsibility is strength. And love for one's native land is what makes a nation great.