Ophthalmological examination: within the framework of the support project for ethnic Koreans
With age, regular diagnostics become vital, yet full medical check-ups in modern clinics are not always accessible to older people and pensioners due to high costs.
A significant number of elderly ethnic Koreans whose children have gone abroad to work reside in Bishkek and the Chuy region. According to a Good Neighbors study (2026), 77.9% of them suffer from vision problems, and 89.4% cannot afford private ophthalmologist services. Without timely treatment, people gradually lose their sight and end up isolated.
To remove this financial barrier, Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic, together with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) and the Koryo-in Diaspora Association, launched a project for the free diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. The main outcome of such support is the timely detection of dangerous health conditions: during the exam, doctors identified a cataract in one of the participants for the first time and promptly referred her for surgery.
From an interview with a check-up participant:
Kim Lyudmila, representative of the Korean diaspora:
"Without this sponsored support, I would not have been able to visit such a modern clinic. I was examined, diagnosed with a cataract, and advised to undergo surgery. It is difficult for pensioners to pay for diagnostics, so we are deeply grateful for the care, attentive doctors, and excellent organization without any queues!"
Instagram video
On May 21, 2026, a meeting was held between the Director of , Cho Sunheng, and the Rector of , Nurzat Ermekovna Totubaeva.
During the meeting, the parties discussed further cooperation, promising areas of joint activities, and the implementation of projects in the fields of agriculture, education, and local community development. Special attention was given to the introduction of innovative agricultural technologies, the development of research activities, and the improvement of farmers’ qualifications.
As a result of the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between and . The memorandum aims to strengthen partnership in the implementation of modern agricultural technologies, cultivation of agricultural crops, including through the IN VITRO scientific and production laboratory, as well as the realization of joint research and educational initiatives.
Following the signing ceremony, representatives of were given a tour of the IN VITRO scientific and production laboratory. During the tour, the laboratory’s achievements were presented, including the cultivation of virus-free potatoes and other agricultural products using modern biotechnologies.
It is worth noting that this year , together with the university, is implementing a pilot project on growing virus-free seedlings in the village of in the .
The parties expressed confidence that this cooperation will contribute to the implementation of sustainable and effective projects aimed at the development of agriculture and the support of farmers in .
The branch of the international humanitarian organization Good Neighbors International (GNI) in the Kyrgyz Republic invites qualified candidates to apply for the following vacancies:
Open positions:
- Program Officer – Bishkek
- Accountant – Bishkek
- Community Development Project (CDP) Officer – Bel-Aldy, Toktogul district
- Community Development Project (CDP) Officer – Zhapalak / Osh city
Good Neighbors International has been operating in Kyrgyzstan since 2014, implementing community development projects in Chui, Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Issyk-Kul regions.
📩 Interested candidates are required to submit their application (CV, Application Form for Employment at Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic, as well as additional documents such as recommendation letters, certificates, etc.) in English via email: gnkgz@goodneighbors.kg
Application deadline: May 10, 2026
More detailed information is available at: https://employment.kg/
For 35 years, Good Neighbors International has been actively working to combat poverty, placing the protection of the rights and dignity of people affected by poverty, disasters, and social vulnerability at the core of its mission.
Over the years, Good Neighbors has implemented projects around the world, supporting children, families, and communities, and contributing to sustainable development and improved quality of life.
We sincerely thank all our partners, donors, and communities for their trust, support, and collaboration.
Together, we continue to build a world where every person lives with dignity and hope for a better future.