School for the Deaf to see structural improvements

Photo By Senior Airman Brett Clashman | The Bishkek School for the Deaf awaits renovations in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, August 6, 2012.  

KYRGYZSTAN

08.10.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Matthew Benedetti 

376th Air Expeditionary Wing

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan -- Principal Kanykey Djamanbaeva's prayers have finally been answered. A contract to replace approximately 300 windows and two sections of roofing was signed by representatives of Megalit, a Bishkek based construction firm, on August 6, 2012.

After several years, Djamanbaeva can breathe easier knowing that the dilapidated windows and decaying roof at the Bishkek School for the Deaf will be replaced for the first time in 60 years. By February 2013, the project's estimated completion date, she will no longer need to worry about whether her students would be warm or dry. Djamanbaeva will be able to focus all of her efforts on teaching her students, who range from kindergarten to high school age.

The Bishkek School for the Deaf accepts and boards hearing impaired children from across Kyrgyzstan, teaching students both general and specialized subjects including sign language.

This day was made possible through the commitment of the members of the Theater Security Cooperation division at the Transit Center at Manas. Comprised of Airmen from varied career fields, the TSC aims to build partnerships with the people of Kyrgyzstan and enhance the quality of life through improvement projects.

Djamanbaeva was grateful for the continued support of the TSC team.

"It's a day of excitement. We have been waiting a long time for this day and look forward to working with the construction company and the TSC to get the project under way. The improvements will be important for the kids," she said. "We have worked with the Transit Center Airmen for many years and they always help, but this is a major project. We are grateful for everything they have done," Djamanbaeva said.

Maj. Brian Miller, TSC director of operations, shared the optimism of the day. "This project was initially scheduled for fiscal year 2013, but we were able to expedite it due to the need and long term benefits for the students," he said.

"It is a quality of life issue. Due to the holes in the roof, birds have nested there for years causing an awful stench. Megalit will clean out the debris and reseal the roof ensuring improved sanitary conditions," said Miller, a native of Pickerington, Ohio, who is deployed from the Pentagon. This capital project is the second largest to be awarded by the Transit Center through funding provided by U.S. Central Command.

TSC members will closely monitor the progress of the construction to ensure that the project is completed to contractual specifications. "Funding this project is a sign of the strong partnership and continued cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the United States. The TSC Humanitarian Assistance Branch wants to ensure this project s completed on time with a high quality of craftsmanship," Miller said.

German Pak, Megalit director, has worked closely with the U.S. Embassy on several projects and is looking forward to beginning the upgrades. "The school needs attention and has not seen improvements in many years. We will do our best to improve conditions and it will look nice when it is finished," said Pak.
Djamanbaeva plans to hold a festive event in March to commemorate the completion of renovations.

"We will have a huge celebration and invite all of the airmen who have been involved to join us, even the folks that have gone back to the states," Djamanbaeva said.

"Thank you for presenting such an awesome gift to us," she said.

• Date Taken: 08.10.2012
• Date Posted: 08.11.2012 04:43
• Story ID: 93037
• Location: KG