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. 💚
As part of the International Children's Day celebrations, Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic organized festive events for children in the Bel-Aldy and Uch-Terek Community Development Projects (CDPs) located in Toktogul District, Jalal-Abad Region. The events were held on June 3 in Bel-Aldy village and on June 4 in Uch-Terek village.
The events were implemented in close cooperation with the Abdy-Suerkulov and Uch-Terek local self-government bodies, as well as representatives of the local communities.
The concept of the events was developed based on the results of community needs assessments and focus group discussions. During the consultations, community members highlighted the limited opportunities for developing STEAM skills among children in schools and preschool institutions. In response to these identified needs, Good Neighbors organized educational activities using learning kits and creative games.
Throughout the events, children participated in various educational and creative games designed to strengthen logical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and teamwork.
By organizing activities across multiple communities, the initiative was able to reach a larger number of children and families living in remote areas, ensuring equal access to educational and recreational opportunities.
As part of the International Children’s Day celebrations, the Community Development Project team of Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic in Bolot Mambetov Aiyl Aimak (Ton District, Issyk-Kul Region) organized festive events for children in all seven villages within the project area.
A vibrant entertainment program was prepared for the young participants, featuring animators and costumed characters. Children took part in games, contests, and mini quizzes, enjoyed musical performances and a bubble show, while the most active participants received toys and memorable prizes.
During the event, a brief awareness session was conducted on child safety, children’s rights, and the importance of seeking assistance from responsible adults in difficult situations.
Together with members of the Community Development Committees, more than 700 sweet gift packages were distributed to children, becoming one of the most anticipated moments of the celebration.
The event brought joy and positive emotions to the children and highlighted the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and child-friendly environment for every child.
On June 4, Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic handed over more than 7,000 pieces of new children's clothing to the Department of Social Protection under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The official handover ceremony was attended by Dina Turmanbekovna Anarbaeva, Director of the Department of Social Protection under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic; Cho Sunhyung, Country Director of Good Neighbors International in the Kyrgyz Republic; Chinarkul Aidarbekovna Tumenbaeva, Director of the “Kelechek” Rehabilitation Center for Children with Disabilities under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic; as well as staff members of the institution.
The humanitarian aid was delivered from the Republic of Korea and will soon be distributed among residential social care institutions throughout the country. We sincerely thank Ms. Dina Turmanbekovna Anarbaeva, Director of the Department of Social Protection under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, for her cooperation and joint efforts for the benefit of children in Kyrgyzstan.
For us, it is especially important that every item provided represents not only clothing, but also care, attention, and support for a child.
Good Neighbors continues to work toward creating a better future for children and families in Kyrgyzstan by joining efforts with government institutions and partners.