Collection of Winter Clothing and Toys
Through mid-December 2010, KCF collected clothing for ages 0 – 15, which were later distributed at both the Bishkek Baby House and at the Ak Beshim Orphanage. We also collected donations of new safe teething toys, rattles, educational toys for toddlers, and mobiles for cribs at the Bishkek Baby House. The orphanages expressed their sincere thanks to all the families who contributed.
Bishkek Baby House Donations
Collecting Contributions towards a Washing Machine
Our next large project includes purchasing a commercial washing machine for Ak Beshim orphanage. We greatly appreciate any support you may be able to offer in this endeavor.
Kyrgyz Language and Folklore Classes Starting!
KCF is organizing Kyrgyz language and Kyrgyz folklore (dance, singing, playing komuz instrument) classes this fall, for children and adults. All interested people should notify KCF of your interest
by Sunday, October 31. Exact times and starting dates will depend on level of interest.
The fee will be approximately $15.00 per class (45 minutes to an hour), plus any books/supplies, paid directly to the instructors. Classes will be held on Saturdays at the Kyrgyz Embassy in Washington, DC (near Dupont Circle Metro).
Dryer Success!
KCF’s dryer project is complete! Ak-Beshim Orphanage now has a new dryer before another winter sets in. During the early weeks of September, 2010, we had an electrician come to Ak-Beshim Orphanage and assess the electrical system, requirements, and voltage capacity. At their recommendation, a new power circuit was installed.
KCF’s representative in Bishkek then purchased a large volume, commercial-grade electric dryer. It was delivered and installed the week of September 12 and is now fully operational. Due to its large size, it had to be brought in through the window!
KG Independence Day Celebration
On August 28, 2010, Kyrgyz Embassy in the USA and Canada and the Kyrgyz Children’s Future jointly celebrated the Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan. The celebration was held in Great Falls National Park in Northern Virginia. There was a great turnout! We provided refreshments and hot food, including shashlik (kabob). We hope to make this an annual event.
Visiting Kyrgyz Delegation
On Thursday, August 5, 2010, in Washington, DC, Goulnara Assanova, President of the Kyrgyz Children’s Future, participated in a meeting with a delegation of Kyrgyz and Kazakh officials and parents waiting to adopt Kyrgyz and Kazakh children. The meeting addressed the ongoing delays related to the group of 65 Kyrgyz children who are waiting to be adopted by American families. All of these children live in orphanages in Kyrgyzstan…all have been waiting for two or more years to be united with their new families. The Joint Council for International Children’s Services arranged the meeting and the National Council for Adoption also participated.
Ms. Assanova advocated that the orphaned children be united with their American families and encouraged the Kyrgyz officials to move quickly to allow their adoptions to be finalized. She emphasized that an orphanage will never replace the need for children to have families to call their own and to have parents who will love them unconditionally. Ms. Assanova also reassured the officials that American families are indeed interested in preserving and maintaining the cultural heritage of the children once they join their new families in the United States and that the Krygyz Children’s Future would provide ample opportunities for them to do so.
July 4th Event
We held a Charitable Picnic on Sunday, July 4, 2010, at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Kyrgyz dishes were served, and a great time was had by all. People made donations and participated in an auction for the affected people in the Osh region and for a commercial clothes dryer for the Ak-beshim orphanage. We are now very close to reaching our goal!
KCF’s Office in Bishkek
In June 2010, the Kyrgyz Children’s Future Representative’s office in Bishkek was officially registered by the Ministry of Justice of Kyrgyzstan.
New Year’s Gift Drive
On New Year’s Day, 2010, KCF delivered New Year’s Gifts to the children in Ak-Beshim Orphanage. In addition to clothes and toys, the children received personal hygiene kits, which contained items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo.
