Description

UNICEF correspondent Rob McBride reports on the start of a new school year in post-conflict Kyrgyzstan.

Transcript

Students Returning to School in Kyrgyzstan Rob McBride: You're watching UNICEF Television. Back to school in Osh. The traditional September the 1st start of the school year is especially important for the children of Southern Kyrgzstan recovering from the trauma of recent conflict. Jonathan Veitch: UNICEF was a part and will continue to support the government to ensure education is provided to all children in the company. Rob McBride: In the Shark District of the city, the reopening of the tolls toys school has been made possible thanks to tents which provide temporary learning spaces for nearly 800 children. Jonathan Veitch: Then you can see today the parents have come back and brought their kids back to schools so we’re really happy about today. Rob McBride: The reopening of the school follows weeks of effort by the whole community. As the deadline approach, more and more volunteer pupils supported by parents and teachers came forward. P.E. teacher Usupov Shuhrat was happy to take a lead with a newly arrive furniture. Usupov Shuhrat: No one force the children. They wanted to do it working along side the teachers and the parents. Rob McBride: Part of the National Welcome to School Initiative by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Education supported by UNICEF, it aims to get as many children back into class as possible recognizing the importance school plays and restoring normality in young lives. Juraeva Iroda: This summer was very hard because we had to run from our houses and the hardest part was seeing our house is destroyed and people die. Rob McBride: Friends Iroda and Dilyafruz live nearby in the shattered neighborhood which is gradually beginning the task of reconstruction. Their houses like their school were destroyed and for now, they have to sleep in a tent just as they have to study in one. Nematova Dilyafruz: We know lessons will be hard but we will do our best. I still want to graduate and get a high degree. Rob McBride: Organizing mini buses as well as establishing a network of school less scouts and monitors are all initiatives being supported by UNICEF to ensure children travel safely to and from school. It's all designed to keep enrollment as full as possible. After the classes of last June, there were fears that parents would be too afraid to let their children attend class. On this first day of school, friends Iroda and Dilyafruz and thousands of other children like them have shown how they feel. Rob McBride: This is Rob McBride, reporting for UNICEF Television. For more information, go to unicef.org. Unite for children.