Ecology in every stroke
The Edelweiss children’s camp held a drawing competition called “Ecology through the eyes of children” – a kind and touching celebration in which each child put a piece of their heart into their drawing. Their little hands held brushes and pencils, and their eyes shone with inspiration and faith that the world around them could be made better.
A child’s drawing is not just a picture. It is a sincere view of the world, without unnecessary words and conventions. While adults have to learn about environmental culture, children feel nature intuitively: they run barefoot on the grass, catch snowflakes in their mouths, laugh when river water splashes in their faces, and stroke small animals with delight. For them, nature is joy and freedom, part of their happiest moments.
Each work presented at the competition was special. Some drew clean rivers and green forests, some drew rare animals, and some depicted our planet in shining blue and green tones. These drawings contained everything: dreams of the future, love of life, childlike courage, and faith in goodness.
“Children must understand that loving nature is as important as loving their mother, father, and homeland. Environmental culture should become a natural habit from birth. Not littering, conserving water, and eating healthy foods should be as simple as washing your face in the morning,” says Zoya Arzyukova, head of the Environmental Protection Department.
Today, ecology for Kazakhstan is not just a topic for discussion, but a vital necessity. Climate change is already being felt, and it is up to us to decide what kind of world will remain for our children. It is no coincidence that the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said:
“We have no other homeland but Kazakhstan. No one will bring order and cleanliness to our land for us. Maintaining cleanliness is the duty of every citizen!
Looking at the children’s drawings, it is impossible not to feel hope. Their planets are always clean and beautiful, their forests are dense, and their rivers are clear. And at that moment, you realize: if children believe so sincerely in goodness, if they know from childhood that nature must be loved and protected, then our land has a future.
The “Ecology through the eyes of children” contest gave us more than just the joy of creativity – it reminded us adults that all great things start with something simple. From small steps, from the habit of not littering, from the ability to see beauty in every leaf and raindrop. And perhaps these drawings will become the seeds of goodness that will grow in the hearts of children and help them preserve our world.