U.S. Embassy completes kindergarten program in Baku

The U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan and Counterpart International celebrated the completion of newly reconstructed kitchen at Baku's Kindergarten #135 that will improve the health standards and living conditions of at-risk pre-school students. The reconstruction project was funded by the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Coordinator of Assistance to Europe and Eurasia, to assist 80 children at the overnight kindergarten, of whom half are from low-income families, while 30 are refugee or internally displaced persons.

"The reconstruction of the kindergarten will improve the hygiene and sanitary conditions and have a positive effect on food preparation process and the children's health," said the director of the kindergarten, Nargiz Hajiyeva.

Reconstruction activities included the replacement of old doors, windows and wall and floor tiles and the upgrading of electrical and water supply systems. New drain and waste pipes and a new gas oven, water heater tank were installed to supply the kitchen with hot water. Additionally, the faucet taps were replaced and a control valve and new gas oven were installed in the kitchen.

The young school children are cared for by a staff of 15 teachers, technical workers, medical doctor and nurse. Counterpart implemented the small reconstruction project in close cooperation with Kindergarten #135 staff.

Counterpart has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1997 and has delivered 557 containers of humanitarian assistance, valued at $72,403,000, to IDPs and refugees, elderly people, disabled, large families, orphans and other vulnerable children. The humanitarian assistance has included food, clothing, medical equipment and supplies, tents, beddings, and furniture and was distributed to more than 1 million people in 52 regions throughout Azerbaijan.


/Trend/