A warm corner in Sarnaghbyur
Sarnaghbyur is one of the large rural settlements of Shirak marz, known as a place of pilgrimage, with its ancient churches and historical and cultural sights. The village, with a population of 3,000, is part of the Ani consolidated community.
The Sarnaghbyur kindergarten is in a typical building and has been operating since 1988. Of 100 children aged 3-6 living in the village, 91 attend kindergarten. The kindergarten has four groups: one junior, one middle, and two senior groups. The director of the kindergarten is Esther Arshakyan, a village resident. Mrs. Esther has worked in this kindergarten since 1995 as a teacher, and since 2018 she has managed the kindergarten.
The kindergarten building is quite large with its area and classrooms, though with problems. Since 2004, the kindergarten has been partially renovated with community funds. The roof of the building was changed, and new windows and a heating system were installed. However, as of early 2022, the situation in the two group rooms, each including a playroom, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, continued to deteriorate. The kindergarten gym, which was intended for children's gymnastics classes, was in a dilapidated condition.
In 2022, thanks to the financial support of The Yalkezian Foundation, "Shen" NGO started the repair project of the kindergarten. The project's total budget was 10,665,000 AMD, which the community co-financed 2,500,000 AMD. The contribution of the community partially covered the costs of the construction works. As a result of the project, we renovated two classrooms of the kindergarten, a total of 4 rooms with an area of 280 m², and a gym with a space of 60 m².
The heating of the kindergarten is carried out with community funds. Staff and children had only one month for winter break. In February, the village's warmest and brightest spot, the kindergarten, resumed work in the already renovated and cheerful classrooms. Here the fresh colors of the decorated walls and the children's bright smiles are in harmony.
