This worked well. Later, in 2010, we introduced an approach that allowed 88 more poor children get early childhood education. Our kindergarten provided a yurt as a kind of mobile classroom. Every summer since, the community has managed the kindergarten near the Chinese border, allowing scores of children to grow their minds while their families are far from schools.
Teachers at the kindergarten are very dedicated. They work hard, far from any support or conveniences. Local officials helped to pay the teachers’ salaries and covered the cost of moving the yurt to the high pastures. In 2014, a local NGO provided a grant so the teachers could buy more books for the children.
At the Aga Khan Development Network, we recognise that teachers are agents of change. That's why several of our institutions and agencies are involved in teacher training or mentorship, ensuring that children have the best possible start in life.
For more information on our work on education in the Kyrgyz Republic, please visit AKDN's website.