2009-11-18
New Kindergarten for Margahovit Children
Margahovit, Lori region. The BRIDGE Public Works Program implemented by CHF (Cooperative Housing Foundation) International and funded by USAID has completed the renovation of the Margahovit Kindergarten in October. The official opening of the project took place on November 5 and was attended by John H. Seong, USAID Deputy Mission Director, Aram Kocharyan, Lori Marzpet, Samvel Ananyan, Margahovit Village Mayor, representatives of the Public Works Program and the entire community.
Before project implementation, it was impossible to use the existing kindergarten building; so the mayor moved the kindergarten to occupy the first floor of village administration building. However, poor conditions in the building meant that not all the children were able to attend the kindergarten. In June 2008 the community initiated the renovation and expansion of the existing building, but could not complete the construction.
The project was finally completed thanks to USAID funding and the contribution of the Margahovit village. Each side financed its own share in the works, resulting in the complete renovation of the building with comfortable bedrooms, playing room, kitchen, a work room and first-aid post. The building now has a modern heating system. In addition to the interior works, BRIDGE renovated the land space surrounding the building, and added a small play-ground. Community members have already planted trees, thereby improving the aesthetics of the kindergarten area. USAID also provided an entirely new set of furniture for the kindergarten.
The BRIDGE program had also organized vocational training for 21 socially vulnerable community members in Tiling, and Plastering and Painting. After the completion of the theoretical part of the training course, the graduates gained on-the-job experience by renovating several rooms in the kindergarten building – under the supervision of the construction contractor. Kanaka OJSC, a Vanadzor-based contractor carried out the works.
This project was the biggest initiative of the BRIDGE Program in 2009.
