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. 💚
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.
Proud Achievement for IRDP Villages: Zhoosh and Chon-Alai Win National Recognition! 🏆
We are proud to share some truly exciting news: the Zhoosh and Chon-Alai Aiyl Okmotus, participants in our Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP), have achieved outstanding success in the 2024 National Best Aiyl Okmotu Contest of Kyrgyzstan!
Out of 235 rural municipalities across the country, Zhoosh Aiyl Okmotu secured 1st place, and Chon-Alai Aiyl Okmotu earned an impressive 3rd place! 🇰🇬✨
This prestigious annual contest honors the most effective, inclusive, and sustainable local governments in Kyrgyzstan. Winning such a recognition is a testament to excellent local governance, strong community involvement, and meaningful progress in rural development.
Since 2021, Good Neighbors, in partnership with KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), has been implementing the IRDP in 30 villages across southern Kyrgyzstan, focusing on:
✅ Improving public infrastructure (such as schools, water supply systems, and roads)
✅ Supporting income-generating opportunities and small-scale entrepreneurship
✅ Empowering women to take active roles in decision-making and leadership
✅ Enhancing local policy-making and administrative systems
The success of Zhoosh and Chon-Alai showcases what can be achieved through the collaboration of local leaders, engaged citizens, and committed development partners. It is a shared victory that belongs to the entire community! 💪🏽🏡
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the people and leadership of Zhoosh and Chon-Alai for this remarkable achievement, and we look forward to continuing our journey toward inclusive and sustainable development together.
#GoodNeighborsKyrgyzRepublic #KOICA #IRDP #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment #VillagePride #AiylOkmotu2024 #TogetherForChange #Kyrgyzstan