The second SOS Children's Village in Kyrgyzstan will be officially opened on the northern shores of Lake Issyk Kul. The Central Asian country, which became an independent presidential republic in 1991, is still struggling with the consequences of the past and integration into the world economy. The authorities are unable to provide adequate support for those in need, in particular for orphaned, abandoned and disabled children. The orphanages and homes for children with special needs are frequently run-down and rarely receive any kind of financial assistance.
Thanks to support from the authorities and the government, another SOS Children's Village and a kindergarten have been built. Construction of the new village site was completed within just one year. The first SOS Children's Village is located in the capital Bishkek.
The opening ceremony will be held in the presence of First Lady Mairam Akayeva, SOS Children's Village President Helmut Kutin and other representatives from the region and from SOS Children's Villages.
The new SOS Hermann Gmeiner School in Bishkek will be officially inaugurated two days later. Around 400 children from the SOS Children's Village and the neighbourhood will be able to attend.