Pupils Transform Collected Plastic Waste into Ecological Benches and Lamps at Balkhash, Kazakhstan
In the heart of Balkhash, Kazakhstan, students from the Polytechnic College have launched an innovative eco-friendly initiative that's bringing a new lease of life to their campus. The project, which combines eco-friendly materials with traditional Kazakh design, has seen the creation of benches, trash bins, and solar-powered street lamps from recycled plastic.
The students' initiative emerged during their participation in the nationwide ecological and educational marathon titled "Tugan zherge kamkorlykpen!" (With care for the homeland in Kazakh). The team, led by project leader Gulzada Shaizhanova, initially funded the project with an 800,000 tenge (about US$1,480) grant they won in the marathon.
To address the lack of local recycling facilities in Balkhash, the students partnered with a recycling company in the Kyzylorda Region. Their project took first place in the marathon and has now expanded beyond the college campus, lighting up the college courtyard in the evenings.
The newly installed benches and solar lamps not only illuminate the campus but also create a welcoming green environment. Plans include adding music speakers near the benches, allowing guests to enjoy traditional Kazakh kuis while they relax.
Shaizhanova, the history teacher who guided the project, is now seeking sponsors and support from local authorities and educational institutions to expand this eco-friendly initiative across the city of Balkhash. The students hope to scale up the initiative citywide, with expanded installations of environmentally friendly facilities using recycled plastic and solar energy.
The map of the campus with the installed eco-initiative is designed by The Astana Times, providing a visual representation of this transformative project. The college will maintain the newly installed structures, including cleaning solar panels and replacing lamps when needed.
The eco-project has received positive attention, with potential sponsors under discussion including local authorities and other educational institutions in Balkhash. The project's collaboration with a recycling company from the nearby Kyzylorda Region demonstrates a regional partnership which could be modelled or extended for further expansion.
The innovative idea, developed by students Aida Mukhanova and Tolganai Zholdybai under Shaizhanova's guidance, is a testament to the power of youth, creativity, and environmental consciousness. As the project continues to grow, it serves as a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future for Balkhash.
[1] Source: Kazinform (Aug. 5)
- The innovative environmental-science project led by history teacher Gulzada Shaizhanova at the Polytechnic College in Balkhash, Kazakhstan, involves the use of sustainable-living practices, such as the creation of eco-friendly benches, trash bins, and solar-powered street lamps from recycled materials.
- The climate-change initiative, titled "Tugan zherge kamkorlykpen!", has gained momentum, expanding beyond the college campus to illuminate the college courtyard and attract potential sponsors, including local authorities and other educational institutions, aiming for a citywide sustainable-living transformation.
- By partnering with a recycling company in the Kyzylorda Region, the students behind this environmental-science project hope to model and extend their regional partnership as they aim to scale up their initiative, promoting sustainable-living practices and contributing to the betterment of the home-and-garden environment in Balkhash.
