The opening ceremony for a newly constructed kindergarten in Kish village of Sheki was held on 23 September 2011. “Uluchay” Social-Economic Innovation Center of Sheki, with financial support received from the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Azerbaijan, brought together resources to construct the much needed kindergarten. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Shusuke Watanabe, the Head of Sheki Executive Committee, Mr. Elkhan Usubov, other local authorities and media representatives attended the ceremony. Many residents of Kish village, including children that will attend the kindergarten, were also present during the opening ceremony.

“Kish village of Sheki with 7000 of population have more than 400 children with the preschool education needs. This building is the biggest present to the local population. I would like to thank you from my own side, as well as from the Kish population to the H.E. Mr. Ambassador and Japanese Government. I would also congratulate local population with this great kindergarten building and wish success to all our children in their preschool education”.

            Mr. Elkhan Usubov | The Head of Sheki Executive Committee

Kish village, well known not only in Azerbaijan but also in foreign countries because of historical sites and surrounding beauty, did not have a kindergarten for its children. The primary reason for constructing the kindergarten was to provide a place for children to attain preschool education, create an environment conducive to healthy early-age development, and to support local families in educating their children.

“The building of kindergarten in Kish village of Sheki” project was approved by the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Azerbaijan January 2011 and construction started February 2011. Total amount of the project was $86,269 USD.

Opening the ceremony was the Deputy Chief of Sheki Executive Committee, Ms. Zarina Cavadova, who expressed her appreciation for the tremendous effort that went into constructing the kindergarten, including the financial assistance received from the Embassy of Japan. Congratulatory remarks and further appreaciative sentiments were then expressed by Mr. Usubov.

Ambassador Watanabe congratulated Kish village on its kindergarten and mentioned that the establishment of infrastructure for preschool education is one the Japanese embassy’s main priorities. He also expressed his amazement at the tremendous effort that went into constructing a wonderful new kindergarten in such a short amount of time, six months.

The Head of Sheki Executive Committee, Mr. Usubov, provide a present to Ambassador Watanabe on behalf of Kish village residents. The present was a carpet with elements of the Khan Palace of Sheki.

After the speeches, Ambassador Watanabe and Mr. Usubov together cut a ribbon that officially marked the opening of the kindergarten. They then toured the facility together and met with children eager to begin their studies.

“Uluchay” Social-Economic Innovation Center very much appreciates the kind assistance received from the Embassy of Japan. We hope that the success achieved with the construction of Kish village kindergarten leads to further cooperation with the Embassy to address other social and economic problems impacting communities of Azerbaijan.