The villagers in the mountain community of Barushan in remote Tajikistan are abuzz. Old and young alike can’t stop talking about the construction of the new Preschool #2, now underway.
Yusuf Sarkorov
“This is the best thing that happened here in Barushan this year!” exclaims Yusuf. His son attended the former preschool which was dilapidated, drafty, and horrifically unsafe.
“To all those who helped us and made a decision on this construction, huge gratitude from the residents of Barushan!”
Yusuf’s enthusiasm is shared by other parents, children, and teachers alike.
“The whole village is very, very happy,” says Nuriya Tavakalova, the head of the school. “Every day, passing by the construction site, people observe the construction process and are very happy that the work is progressing at such a speed.”
A new school is a big deal in a remote, impoverished village, where families can feel cut off, isolated, and forgotten by the rest of the world. Education represents the chance for a better life. A new school instills a sense of pride and ownership in the community. Their enthusiasm and sense of pride are contagious – we feel it and hope you, as a supporter, can feel it too!
The old school provided places for 112 children ages 3 to 6. The new two-story building will be large enough to accommodate the children on the waiting list, bringing the total to 130 children—an increase of at least 15 percent!
We’re projecting that enrollment will continue to grow as the area grows in population. The new school will also serve the young children from a nearby village.
But of equal importance is what the new school will mean for the community over the span of several years. By giving young children the advantages of an early start on education, the preschool will contribute to the long-term well-being of the entire village.
Future generations will receive a foundation for learning. Children who attend early childhood development activities like those that will be offered at Preschool #2 are likely not only to perform better in primary school and but also complete high school. And because children are more likely to stay in school when they start at a young age, the odds of them one day earning a living wage and contributing to their country’s economy also improve.
Rustam, an education specialist and local resident, echoes the cries of joy from her community. “We residents of Barushan village express our gratitude to CAI for such a gift to our children and our future as a whole!”
From the onset we knew that building the school would be a multi-year undertaking. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we were able to raise the funds for the first phase of construction. We’re pleased to report that progress is going well.
As of mid-June, the rebar is set and most of the foundation has been poured. Framing and backfilling are underway. Weather conditions have been favorable this spring, which is a huge plus in a part of the world where weather complications as well as earthquakes and landslides can halt construction for weeks. Barring any unforeseen glitches, the contractors are on track to finish the first floor before winter sets in.
Preschool #2 has major upgrades!
Remember Qurbonbegim? She’s the little girl we featured in our fundraising campaign. Thanks to donors like you, Qurbonbegim’s dreams of a school where the walls are not crumbling, and the rooms are not cold, are coming true.
While Qurbonbegim has finished preschool, and will be going on to primary school after summer vacation, her enthusiasm for the new Preschool #2 hasn’t waivered.
“I am happy that the construction of the new preschool began because my brother is four years old. I will take him to preschool when (the school) is ready.”
Qurbonbegim
We join Qurbonbegim and the villagers of Barushan to express our thanks for your support. It takes courage to dream big. Thanks for stepping up and dreaming with us.
To continue your investment in Preschool #2, go here if you wish to donate to the second phase of construction. Thank you!
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