The Specialized Boarding School for Deaf Children: Reconstruction of Bathrooms, Heating System and Sewer System

The project's goal was to reconstruct the bathrooms, heating system and sewer system at the study building of the Specialized Boarding School for Deaf Children and create better hygienic and living conditions for students. The project was made possible through the partnership and financial support of the US Department of State under the "Small Reconstruction Projects" initiative, as well as in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic and Severelectro Public Corporation.

The Specialized Boarding School for Deaf Children was founded in 1961, and currently houses 345 students, ages 6-18, from all oblasts of the Kyrgyz Republic. In addition to those with hearing disabilities, many children have other impairments, including mental disorders and hindered psychological development. The staff consists of 48 teachers, 24 tutors, 28 technical workers and 10 administrative personnel.

The project began in January 2007, immediately after receiving funding from the Ministry of Education and Science of Kyrgyzstan, and was able to continue with the financial aid of the US Department of State in March 2007. In-kind donations from the Ministry of Education, Severelectro Public Corporation and "Global Education in Kyrgyzstan" also went towards general construction works. Field workers cleaned and renovated floors, windows, doors and ceilings, and also replaced all piping in the study building. The building was rewired, with new lighting and metal sinks also added. Finally, the full heating and sewer systems in the study building were completely rehabilitated for the 345 children.

The reconstruction of the bathrooms and the heating and sewer systems at the school helped create safer hygienic and health conditions for the students, and additionally improved their overall education environment. In fact, if not for Counterpart International's (Counterpart) efficient work at the school, the children were facing a possible evacuation due to safety issues.

The Specialized School for Blind and Purblind Children: Reconstruction of Dormitory Bathroom Facilities

The goal of the project was to reconstruct the lavatory, washroom and bathrooms at the dormitory of the Specialized School for Blind and Purblind Children so as to create safer and improved living conditions for the students. This project was made possible through the partnership and financial support of the US Department of State under the "Small Reconstruction Projects" initiative.

The Specialized School for Blind and Purblind Children was founded in 1939 with the intention of providing education and social adaptation skills to blind and purblind children from all oblasts of Kyrgyz Republic. Currently, there are 186 children between the ages 7 and 19 with first and second group sight disabilities studying there, many of whom are orphans from remote areas or come from disadvantaged homes.

Over the nearly 70 years during which the school has been in operation, the entire septic system of the institution's dormitory has slowly deteriorated, recently leaving the lavatory and washroom facilities hygienically unsafe. Counterpart took action to remedy this problem in early 2006.

Counterpart in Kyrgyzstan has been providing assistance to the Specialized School for Blind and Purblind Children since 2001. When Counterpart completed this reconstruction project in April 2006, however, it was clear that the changes would have the most significant impact on students' living conditions yet. The sewer system was fully replaced, and sinks, pans, taps, shower-baths, and radiators were installed. Additionally, the floor, walls, windows, and doors were renovated. The project was made possible through the assistance and services of the Special School for Blind and Purblind Children itself, and funding from the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic (in addition to a grant from the US Department of State).

After significant reconstruction and repairs in the lavatories, the washroom and the bathrooms, the facility was completely rehabilitated for usage by the 186 disabled children who live in the dormitory. In effect, this project greatly improved both the qualities of hygiene and of learning at the school.

Photo: © Kyla Springer/Counterpart International.