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YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS:A kindergarten in the village of Kamaris, Kotayk province, was officially reopened today after being renovated through the U.S. Embassy and USAID- funded Community Self-Help Fund (CSHF) program, which is implemented by Save the Children. Representatives of the US Embassy, USAID, Save the Children, Kotayk Marzpetaran, Kamaris local government and the community attended the event. The kindergarten of Kamaris village (with 2,500 residents) is a two-storied building built in 1976 with a capacity of 95 children. Due to the lack of financial means it had not been renovated for many years. As a result, only two playrooms of the kindergarten had been operating over the past years, with up to 30 children enrolled and run by 12 staff. Yet the building’s state was turning for the worst day by day. The roof was damaged and leaked; the water pipes and internal sewage system were eroded and blocked; the electric network, floors, walls, doors and windows were deteriorated. Given the deteriorated conditions of the kindergarten, two years ago the village municipality had to cease its operations. However, taking into account the kindergarten’s importance for the pre-school aged children’s care and education, as well as their mothers’ numerous requests, the village council decided to initiate the renovation of the kindergarten. As the available funding was very limited, the community applied to Save the Children for a CSHF program grant. The Community Self-Help Fund program helped create improved educational and care conditions for the children through renovation of the kindergarten’s roof, kitchen, laundry, playrooms, events hall, nurse’s rooms, and the storage. Due to the program, 75 children will attend the kindergarten and 20 new staff will be hired. The total cost of the project was USD 30,831 of which USD 16,802 was provided by the Community Self-Help Fund, while USD 14,029 (about 46% of the project cost) was contributed by the Kamaris village community in form of labor and construction materials. The Community Self-Help Fund program is being implemented through small grants provided to local communities funding on-going projects, which help to improve economic and social conditions of the communities. As of today, 47 projects throughout Armenia have been funded which resulted in improvement and upgrade of health, educational, social and cultural infrastructures, irrigation and drinking water systems. About 65,400 people directly benefited from the program, and also 45,000 people benefited indirectly. The projects have played a vital role for the residents of communities encouraging self-help initiatives. Communities have contributed around 30% of the projects’ cost providing volunteer labor and donated materials.