Opening Doors to Education in Rural Kyrgyzstan: “I Want to Study Too!”

As September approaches, families across rural and mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan face the demanding expenses of the upcoming school year. For orphaned and low-income households, purchasing school uniforms, winter boots, and stationery is often an overwhelming burden. The “I Want to Study Too!” (Men dagy okuunu kaalaym!) project by the Altyn Uya Public Foundation transforms this challenge into an empowering festival of learning.

Dignified Support: The School Fair Model

Human dignity is central to Altyn Uya’s methodology. Rather than distributing standardised supply boxes, we create a vibrant marketplace experience for children:

• The Joy of Personal Choice: Students freely choose the colour and style of their backpack, try on durable uniforms tailored to their size, and select comfortable footwear.
• Comprehensive Learning Kit: Every backpack is fully stocked with quality notebooks, drawing supplies, pens, pencils, geometry kits, and essential materials for the entire year.
• A Festive Celebration: The distribution day is celebrated with music, refreshments, and creative activities, welcoming children to the academic year with joy and pride.

“Handing a child a brand-new backpack that they chose themselves sends a powerful message: your education matters, and your dignity is respected.”

You can help equip a student for the entire school year through our donation page.