“Taza Kazakhstan – 2026”: Eco-challenges and awareness campaign
At the School of Public Health named after Kh. Dosmukhamedov, “Eco-challenges” and an awareness campaign were held as part of the “Taza Kazakhstan – 2026” initiative
Within the framework of implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production”, as well as educational tasks aimed at strengthening the institution of the family, intergenerational continuity, and the promotion of spiritual and moral values in Kazakhstani society, a comprehensive ecological and socio-educational initiative was carried out at the School of Public Health named after Kh. Dosmukhamedov, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University.
The initiative was actively supported by 3rd-year students of the “Medico-Preventive Care” educational program and 4th-year students majoring in Public Health.
The event had an interdisciplinary character and was aimed at developing students’ integrated understanding of the interconnection between family values, public health, sustainable development, and environmental safety.
The initiative was also dedicated to the “Nauryznama” decade and timed to March 23 — “Tazaru Kuni” (Day of Purification), which further emphasized its environmental and spiritual-ethical focus, as well as the symbolic importance of renewal, care for the environment, and the development of a culture of cleanliness and responsibility in society.
During the initiative, students demonstrated a high level of social responsibility and civic engagement by organizing the collection of recyclable materials, including paper waste, plastic bottles, and used clothing.
Collected items were distributed in accordance with sustainable resource management principles. Part of the clothing was donated to charitable organizations to support socially vulnerable groups, while another part was delivered to specialized “second life” collection boxes for further reuse and recycling.
Paper waste and plastic bottles were transferred for recycling. Financial resources obtained from recyclable materials were, upon the initiative of students and organizers, allocated for charitable purposes. This contributed to fostering a culture of philanthropy, social solidarity, and humanitarian values among future public health professionals.
The initiative fully aligns with the objectives of SDG 12 aimed at reducing anthropogenic environmental burden, promoting rational resource use, and encouraging environmentally responsible behavioral models among youth.
The educational impact of the event was reflected in the development of students’:
- environmental literacy and sustainable behavior culture
- social empathy and readiness for charitable engagement
- understanding of prevention of environmentally related health risks
- value-based perception of the family as a fundamental social institution
- skills of collective initiative and community leadership
Thus, the campaign served as an effective practical platform for implementing Public Health approaches, integrating educational and professional training processes, and developing competencies aimed at sustainable development and strengthening population health.
Students of the School of Public Health demonstrated high motivation, social activity, and readiness to participate in socially significant initiatives.
The event was joined by a representative of the Akimat of Almaty — Bakhytgul Tekhnikova Kassymetova, Head of the Department for Interaction with the Scientific and Educational Community at the Center for Public Outreach of the Internal Policy Department of Almaty.
Her participation added particular significance to the initiative and highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and government bodies in promoting sustainable development, environmental culture, and social responsibility among youth.
Organizers:
Beisenbinova Zh.B. – Senior Advisor of the School of Public Health,
Kozhakhmetova A.N. – Person responsible for educational and social work at the T.Sh. Sharmanov Department of Nutrition,
Kusaiynova E.I. – Person responsible for educational and social work at the Department of Public Health. Tekmanova A.K. — Associate Professor of the Department of Public Health.
Aitmanbetova A.A. — Associate Professor of the Department of Public Health.
The event was attended by 3rd-year students of the educational program “Medico-Preventive Care” (Groups 1–3), as well as 4th-year students of the educational program “Public Health” (Groups 2–3).
At the conclusion of the event, the organizers called on all students, academic staff, and university employees to actively support the national campaign “Taza Kazakhstan – 2026,” aimed at promoting environmental culture, responsible attitudes toward the environment, and the principles of sustainable development.
Within the framework of this initiative, the participants passed the eco-challenge to other departments and educational units of the university, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in maintaining environmental cleanliness, rational use of resources, and fostering environmentally responsible behavior.
