School gardens: providing healthy nutrition for children
On August 25, 2026, Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic organized a practical experience-sharing workshop on "Organization of Healthy Nutrition in Schools" at K. Chokoev School in Kotormo village under the "Green Schools for Healthy Nutrition" project. School principals from the Uch-Terek and Bel-Aldy areas participated in the event.
The primary goal of the workshop was to demonstrate how the effective use of school grounds allows for growing fresh fruits and vegetables for the school cafeteria, thereby enriching students' daily diets with nutritious hot meals. 🍲🍛
During the field visit, the team of K. Chokoev School shared their unique experience:
- Crop diversity: apples, cucumbers, potatoes, strawberries, as well as lemons and bananas are successfully grown on the school grounds.
- High yield: the school harvests crops twice per season.
- Reliable storage: participants were shown a self-constructed basement storage facility that keeps the produce fresh throughout the entire school year.
Participants showed great interest in the practical details, discussing irrigation, crop cultivation, food storage, and adapting these approaches in their own schools. In addition, the school leaders addressed key challenges of mountainous regions, particularly the short agricultural season and limited access to irrigation water.
The workshop served as clear proof that school-based farming is an accessible and effective tool for enhancing hot meal programs and improving children's health. 💚
The year 2025 has been declared the Year of Protection of Children's Rights in the organization Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic.
As part of this thematic year, on May 31, 2025, Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic, together with the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, organized a festive event for children from Bishkek and Sokuluk district.
A special screening of the animated film took place at the Manas Cinema, after which the children were presented with gifts. About 500 children took part in the event.
Ravshanbek Azatovich Sabirov, Country Director of Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic and Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, addressed the participants with welcoming words. They congratulated the children on the holiday and stressed the importance of protecting children's rights and providing comprehensive support to the younger generation.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed!
Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic has signed an agreement with the administration of the Governor of Batken region. This is an important step in strengthening our partnership to implement key initiatives in the region.
During the meeting, we discussed current and future initiatives, including:
• Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP)
• Expansion of activities in the fields of education, healthcare and youth development
• Cooperation with local governments and local communities
We thank the Batken Region administration for their trust and willingness to work together for the sustainable development of the region! 🌍✨
#GoodNeighborsKyrgyzRepublic #Batken #IRDP #Peacebuilding #Education #Partnership
The opening of modern sanitary facilities took place in two rural schools: Kokchu CDP Nizhne-Chuisky aiyl (about 200 students) and Bolot Mambetov CDP Eshperovo aiyl (about 350 students).
The new sanitary facilities are designed to meet the needs of all students, including children with disabilities, and are equipped with special cabins for girls. Each facility is equipped with ramps, washbasins with hot water, a heating system and comfortable, private cabins.
All sanitary and building regulations are strictly observed during construction. Modern drain septic tanks are used as a recycling system, providing environmentally friendly waste recycling.
These improvements are an important step towards creating a safe, inclusive and supportive educational environment for all children. We continue to work to ensure that schools become spaces of equal opportunity, respect and care.