STEAM through Play: Children’s Day Celebrated in Bel-Aldy and Uch-Terek
As part of the International Children's Day celebrations, Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic organized festive events for children in the Bel-Aldy and Uch-Terek Community Development Projects (CDPs) located in Toktogul District, Jalal-Abad Region. The events were held on June 3 in Bel-Aldy village and on June 4 in Uch-Terek village.
The events were implemented in close cooperation with the Abdy-Suerkulov and Uch-Terek local self-government bodies, as well as representatives of the local communities.
The concept of the events was developed based on the results of community needs assessments and focus group discussions. During the consultations, community members highlighted the limited opportunities for developing STEAM skills among children in schools and preschool institutions. In response to these identified needs, Good Neighbors organized educational activities using learning kits and creative games.
Throughout the events, children participated in various educational and creative games designed to strengthen logical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and teamwork.
By organizing activities across multiple communities, the initiative was able to reach a larger number of children and families living in remote areas, ensuring equal access to educational and recreational opportunities.
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.