May 21, 2009

IRD implemented Small Reconstruction Projects in Kindergartens #3 and #5 Kanaker-Zeytun, Yerevan

On May 21^st DCM of U.S. Embassy to Armenia Joseph Pennington, Director of Humanitarian Programs of State Department Jerry Oberndorfer, Armenian officials, NGO representatives and other guests participated in the opening ceremony of newly renovated facilities at the kindergartens #5 and #3 of Kanaker-Zeytun community of Yerevan. As a result of this project, 168 children benefited and received clean and nicely colored kitchen and sanitary facilities hence will enjoy proper hygiene and sanitary conditions from now on.

Mostly children from socially vulnerable families would attend kindergartens of such physical conditions – terrible sanitary facilities with rusty and leaking pipes and cracked ceilings, missing parquets in playrooms and bedrooms, extremely old window frames providing no isolation. Kitchens – old, dark walls and ceiling, broken and fallen old tiles covered by cellophane. There could be no mention about aesthetical side of those premises.

In spring 2009 through its Armenian Branch IRD implemented two small reconstruction projects with $24,000 assistance from the U.S. Department of State. Thanks to additional support in $9,000 provided by LDS Charities IRD could fully target the most urgent humanitarian needs in those kindergartens.

DCM Joseph Pennington and Kanaker – Zeytun Community leader Ara Kotanjian cutting the ribbon

DCM Joseph Pennington, Community leader Ara Kotanjian, State Department Director of Humanitarian Programs Jerry Oberndorfer and representatives of Latter Day Saints Charities