Photo By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Tarr | Children of the Starychi School near the International Peace Keeping and Security...... read more read more
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YAVORIV, Ukraine-- The first day of the school year in Ukraine is known as the “Day of Open Doors,” and is a celebration among the community. The children are dressed in their traditional embroidered shirts, flowers are presented to their teachers, distinguished guest arrive to make speeches and to watch the children sing and dance in a celebratory concert.
Thanks to the United States European Command, students and families in Starychi have a little more to celebrate as they walk into their newly renovated School, located near the International Peacekeeping and Security Center Sept. 1.
EUCOM contributed $300,000 dollars in an effort to ensure the students of Starychi had a comfortable environment to learn.
This is the first renovation the building has undergone in its 20 year history. The renovation project included thermal insulation for the exterior of the building, new windows, entrance ramp, new bathrooms and adding locker rooms to the gym.
“The most important thing for us is to give the kids a place to help foster education,” said Maj. Brian Wintzer, bilateral officer assigned to EUCOM’s Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. “So even some of the most basic infrastructures, redoing walls and floors, to help make the children more comfortable is our first focus.”
In an effort to support the national energy-saving policy within Ukraine, several windows were replaced throughout the school.
“Since May, we changed 115 windows throughout the school,” said Natalia Kiosk, school director for Starychi Elementary School, “Before we couldn’t even open windows in the corridors and now we are extremely glad that we finally can do that.”
The village of Starychi has a strong relationship with the International Peacekeeping and Security Center, which is a predominantly military community, and many of the Ukrainian Soldiers have trained within the compound. Col. Nick Ducich, commander for the Joint Military Group-Ukraine at the IPSC showed his support by attending the ceremony and expressed his appreciation for everyone involved in the commitment to the project.
“As you walk around today and see all of the improvements, I want you to know that this school is already a success,” said Ducich. “It’s about the devotion and the personal care by the teachers, administrative directors and staff, and the involved parents that sacrifice their own time to demonstrate that uncommon bond of dedication of serving the children of this school.”
Renovating the school is one more opportunity to build strong relationships and trust between the two countries.
“Finally, on behalf of all Americans here in Ukraine, who work for the country team and the embassy, we look forward to continued fruitful cooperation and the betterment of Ukraine,” said Ducich.
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2016 10:53 |
| Story ID: | 208789 |
| Location: | YAVORIV, UA |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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