OSCE Centre and Japanese Embassy equip schools in Kyrgyzstan with water assessment laboratories

BISHKEK, 3 October 2011 - Equipment and mini-labs for water quality analysis were presented to 20 schools, two non-governmental organizations and the Academy of Education in Kyrgyzstan by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the Embassy of Japan.

The equipment provided will allow young scientists, NGO experts and the Academy to analyze both drinking and irrigation water. Strict control over water quality is of vital importance for Kyrgyzstan. Some 25% of the country’s population does not have access to clean drinking water. In rural areas, about 70% of drinking water is taken from sources located on the surface, which does not guarantee high quality of water. Efficient operation and maintenance of wells and water pipeline network is also a challenge in most parts of Kyrgyzstan.

Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said “This project is all about ’learning by doing’ and reinforcing the students’ awareness of community spirit,” “Now only will the students expand their knowledge about environmental and public health matters, but by sharing results of water tests with the authorities and the wider public they will also better understand how they can play a constructive role in society and co-operate with local authorities and community as a whole.”

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic, Shin Maruo said: “The Government of Japan supports the schools and NGOs to help the  young people and NGO experts build their knowledge and skills in countering environmental threats and challenges to their security. I hope that the close co-operation between Japanese Embassy and OSCE Centre in Bishkek will contribute to the effectiveness of the project.”

The schools benefiting from this 100,000 USD project were selected through OSCE assessment visits and in consultation with local State Departments of education.