Foreigners join locals to clean up streets, beaches in Da Nang

The ‘NO trash in Da Nang anymore’ group was founded by Sasha Shakhov, a Russian, who moved to Da Nang in 2023.

Having lived in several Southeast Asian countries, Shakhov found something special in Da Nang, a city he now calls home.

He recalled being captivated by the natural charm of Man Thai Beach during one of his walks.

However, he was disturbed by the amount of litter scattered along the sand.

That moment sparked his resolve.

He decided to spend his free time cleaning up the city, starting with just a few fellow expats.

They picked up trash around areas like Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Man Thai Beach, and along the Han River.

What started as a small effort soon grew into a citywide initiative as locals, tourists, and students began joining the clean-up events.

“I love Da Nang due to its landscapes and people," he said.

“I see the cleanup as a way of giving back. For me, it’s simple: wherever I see trash, I pick it up."

His group has nearly 2,000 members on Facebook and organizes one to two clean-up events every weekend.

Locations vary, from beaches to parks to residential areas.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ha, a resident of Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam, who is now working in Da Nang, joined the group after learning about it on social media.

“I hope our actions inspire the community to care more about the environment and help keep Da Nang clean and beautiful,” she said.

More than just cleaning up – A classroom without walls

The group's impact goes beyond environmental efforts.

‘NO trash in Da Nang anymore’ has become an informal language learning center, a classroom without blackboards, where people learn through real conversations.

Many students and tourists are eager to join, not just for the clean-up but to practice speaking English, Russian, and other languages in a natural setting.

Doan Thi Nga, the managing director of an English center in Da Nang, partnered with the group after receiving approval from parents.

“This is an incredibly meaningful activity. Not only does it raise awareness about the environment, but it also helps children improve their language skills by talking directly with native speakers,” she said.

To ensure the safety of children, the group provides gloves and litter-pickers.

Young participants are assigned to safe and manageable areas such as parks and sidewalks.

For foreign members, it is also an opportunity to practice Vietnamese and connect more deeply with local culture.

“We believe effective language learning doesn’t always happen in a classroom. When we interact with locals through real-life activities, we not only improve our language skills but also gain a deeper understanding of their culture,” one member shared.