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!
Aida Zhanybaeva, Director of Preschool Educational Organization No. 7 in the village of Eshperov, Ton district of Issyk-Kul region, has been awarded the First Degree Diploma at the international competition “Best Teacher of the CIS.”
According to the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, the first stage of the competition began on February 7, and she successfully advanced to the second round. The final took place on March 24 in Astana, where Aida Zhanybaeva was awarded the First Degree Diploma, a badge, and the “Best Teacher of the CIS” statuette.
It is worth noting that Preschool Educational Organization No. 7, led by Aida Zhanybaeva, had previously been supported by Good Neighbors in the Kyrgyz Republic. As part of our activities, renovation works were carried out, and the kindergarten was provided with necessary furniture and equipment. The development of infrastructure and the educational environment contributes to the professional growth of teachers and improves the quality of preschool education.
We sincerely congratulate Aida Zhanybaeva on this high award! We wish her good health, continued success in her professional activities, inspiration, and new achievements. May her dedication and hard work continue to bring meaningful results and serve as an example to others!
On April 2, an event dedicated to World Autism Awareness Day was held at the Seitek National Center for Children and Youth.
On this day, various activities were organized to raise awareness about autism, as well as to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
While parents were participating in the forum, staff and volunteers of Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic helped organize leisure activities for the children: they played with them, conducted entertainment activities, and сопровождали them throughout the event.
Good Neighbors was one of the event’s partners, supporting initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive and caring environment for every child.
On 12–13 March 2026, the Director of Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic Cho Soonhyoung conducted a working visit to the villages of Bel-Aldy, Uch-Terek, and Kotormo in Toktogul District to review the results of implemented projects and ongoing initiatives aimed at community development.
During the visit, a meeting was held with the First Deputy Akim of Toktogul District, Asanov Askat Tashtemirovich. The parties discussed the results of joint work over the past year, prospects for further cooperation, and the sustainability of projects implemented through co-funding with the participation of local communities and local self-government bodies.
At Secondary School No. 30 named after K. Toktoraliev in Uch-Terek village, the Director reviewed the kitchen equipment installed under the “Healthy Nutrition” project, aimed at improving school feeding conditions and sanitation infrastructure. Attention was also given to the Girls Friendly Toilets project, which is currently nearing completion.
In Bel-Aldy village, the Director visited Mukash Zhamgyrkanov School, where an IT classroom was established and interactive boards were installed through a co-funded project. During the visit, students demonstrated how they use digital equipment in their daily learning process. The introduction of modern technologies contributes to the development of students’ digital skills and expands their educational opportunities.
In Kotormo village, the Director visited a kindergarten established through the joint efforts of the Abdy Suerkulov Aiyl Okmotu and Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic. During the visit, issues related to the sustainability and further development of early childhood education services were discussed.
Overall, the visit confirmed the positive impact of projects implemented with active participation of local communities and highlighted the importance of partnership between residents, local self-government bodies, and Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic for sustainable regional development.