How to make school meals healthy and eco-friendly? Experience of school principals from Toktogul
On August 25, 2026, a practical seminar titled "Organization of Healthy Nutrition in Schools" was held at the K. Chokoev School in Kotormo village. The event was organized by Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic as part of the "Green Schools for Healthy Nutrition" project.
School principals from Uch-Terek and Bel-Aldy rural areas gathered to study successful experiences in establishing school-adjacent farming: from growing apples, vegetables, and even bananas and lemons, to harvesting twice a season and building a specialized cellar for food storage.
Interview with a seminar participant:
Sharipova Jazgul Uchbaevna, Principal of the Mukash Zhamgyrkanov School, shared her impressions of the visit and plans for developing her school ground:
"Today we took part in the seminar and were greatly impressed. Our school has previously attempted to implement the Garden project for planting an apple orchard: we prepared suitable plots, submitted soil analysis results, and filed all necessary documents on time. This seminar inspired us once again! We will make every effort to establish our own apple orchard and a fully functioning school farm, and we also greatly count on your support in implementing this initiative."
School-adjacent farming is an effective and accessible tool that helps provide children with fresh produce, enrich daily hot meals, and strengthen the health of the younger generation!
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Within the framework of the "Good Mama 2024" project, Good Neighbors Kyrgyz Republic organized two-day trainings for medical workers and CHWs on the topic "Antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women" in 4 regions of the country.
Purpose: to increase knowledge and skills in providing quality care to pregnant women.
Participants:
- gained knowledge about anxiety signs, physiological changes, work and rest regime, nutrition, breastfeeding and family planning;
- learned how to calculate the body mass index, measure pressure, uterine height, use a pulse oximeter and an ultrasound machine.
The second day:
- practical skills in breast cancer screening and early detection;
- self-examination training for women.
We hope to create favorable conditions for pregnant and newborn children through our initiatives in the regions.
*CHWs - Community Health Workers
Good Neighbors branch in the Kyrgyz Republic is pleased to announce the successful implementation of the Cultivation of Elite Potato Seeds Project for the past 3 years (2022-2024) in Bolot Mambetov Ayil Aimak, Ton district.
This year, in addition to valuable knowledge and experience, the cooperative received the necessary technical equipment for effective potato planting. The range of farmers involved in the project has expanded.
We have big plans ahead! We wish our partners favorable weather conditions and a rich harvest!
Project achievements:
- Three years of successful implementation;
- Increase number of engaged farmers;
- Cooperative received necessary equipment;
- Increasing the effectiveness of potato growing.
Future plans:
- Further development of the project;
- Increasing farmers welfare;
- Increasing food security in the region.
Rethink our partners and participants of the project for their contribution!
From January 11th to 29th 2024 IRDP project provided a ToT (Training of Trainers). IRDP ToT involves experienced trainers guiding and equipping new trainers with vital expertise, empowering them to educate their communities about gender equality and financial literacy.
It is a key component of our approach to community development. This focuses on two fundamental principles below.
1. Gender equality training: Understanding the importance of creating inclusive communities, the trainings delve into the principles of gender equality. Participants will gain insight into how to break down stereotypes, promote inclusion and ensure equal opportunity for all. The goal is to empower our trainers to become trainers for change in their villages.
2. Financial literacy training: Financial well-being is the constant core of individual and societal prosperity. The financial literacy training covers important concepts such as budgeting, saving, and making sound financial decisions. By providing our coaches with these skills, we strive to empower them to help others make smart financial choices that will contribute to the overall development of the community.
The ToT is a strategic investment in the future of villages in the Kyrgyz Republic. By building the capacity of local leaders, IRDP strives to create self-sustaining progress in which people become advocates for their communities. It is believed to be a testament to the project’s commitment to driving positive change. Through this, the project is expecting sustainable training and empowerment in villagers in the future.