Clean water, sanitation and hygiene are the foundation of children's health and learning
On August 28, in Bishkek, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic held a practical workshop on WASH standards for schools.
The key highlight of the event was the presentation of a practical handbook on implementing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene standards in educational institutions to school principals.
What does the WASH framework in schools include?
🔹 Access to safe drinking water and quality sanitation facilities.
🔹 Convenient handwashing stations and adherence to food hygiene rules.
🔹 Creating an inclusive, accessible, and comfortable environment for all children, including children with disabilities.
During the workshop, representatives of schools participating in the school feeding project discussed the work of school health committees and methods for developing healthy habits among students.
📍 What's next? Later this week, a similar workshop will be held in Osh for representatives of schools from the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan!
Together, we are creating a safe and healthy environment for the future generation!
Dear children, parents, teachers, and everyone dedicated to caring for the younger generation,
Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic sincerely congratulates you on International Children’s Day!
This day reminds us of what matters most: every child deserves a happy childhood, love, care, safety, and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Children are our future, a source of inspiration, and our hope for a better world.
For 35 years, Good Neighbors International has been working for the well-being of children around the world. Today, the organization positively impacts the lives of millions of people in more than 40 countries, with a strong focus on child rights protection, well-being, and inclusive community development.
In Kyrgyzstan, Good Neighbors has been operating since 2014. Throughout these years, together with our partners, local communities, schools, and families, we have been creating conditions that enable children to grow up healthy, receive quality education, develop their talents, and feel safe and protected.
On this special day, we wish every child bright smiles, joyful discoveries, loyal friends, and confidence in the future. May your dreams come true, and may you always be surrounded by people who support, inspire, and help you take the first step toward great achievements.
Happy International Children’s Day!
A series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was successfully conducted as part of the comprehensive needs assessment in the Community Development Projects (CDPs) of Kok-Chu, Bolot Mambetova, Bel-Aldy, and Zhapalak located in Chui, Issyk-Kul, Osh, and Jalal-Abad regions of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The discussions brought together representatives of various community groups, including teachers, healthcare workers, parents, youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, representatives of local self-government bodies, and vulnerable population groups. The focus groups served as a platform for open discussion of current community challenges, identification of priority needs, and exploration of possible solutions.
The discussions covered issues related to education, healthcare, access to clean water and sanitation, rights protection, social support, employment, and income generation. Special attention was given to the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, access to basic services, improvement of living conditions, and strengthening the capacity of local communities.
The Focus Group Discussions enabled the collection of valuable qualitative information and ensured active community participation in the needs assessment process. The findings will be used for further planning and for developing practical programs and initiatives that are responsive to the real needs of the communities.
Environmental debates (Eco-Debate) among high school students were successfully held at Secondary School No. 48 (Kerme-Too) and Secondary School No. 45 named after M. Myrzaev in Osh city.
Although for many students this was their first experience participating in debates, from the very beginning they demonstrated great interest, active participation, and sincere engagement in discussing current environmental issues. During the event, participants learned how to express their opinions with arguments, listen to opposing views, work as a team, and collaboratively find solutions.
The eco-debates became an important platform for developing public speaking, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills.
We hope that such initiatives will inspire young people to continue their personal development and participate in future debate tournaments, helping to build an active civic position.