Chinari Kindergarten

The town of Chinari is located in Armenia’s Tavush Region. It is situated in the eastern most part directly on the border with Azerbaijan. According to the Chinari’s mayor, this isolated border town is home to more than 1,150 people, and falls victim to frequent sniper fire from Azerbaijan. The 13th century Khoranashat Monastery, which is located nearby is abandoned and unable to be visited because of its proximity to the border and related dangerous conditions. The village’s residents earn a living primarily through farming. Chinari has approximately 1,000 hectares of arable land including 54 hectares of vineyards, 80 hectares of vegetable gardens and 20 family owned greenhouses. Residents also breed animals for income. They currently have 225 cows, 100 sheep, 220 pigs, 5,000 chickens and 150 beehives. Other sources of income for the town’s residents include working at the school, kindergarten, municipality and Ministry of Emergency Situations. In addition, 12 men serve as contract soldiers, guarding the Armenia–Azeri border. 270 residents receive government pensions.

Chinari’s kindergarten functions with 25 children in attendance in a two story building in poor condition. The facility has a newly renovated roof and heating system that needs minor repairs and upgrades. The renovation of the two story building would include renovating the bathrooms, kitchen, dining hall, playroom, classroom and auditorium. In addition, this project would include the creation of an indoor playground, in order to give the children a safe place to play. The reconstructed auditorium would not only provide the kindergarten a terrific space for performances, but would provide the community with a multipurpose space for community use.

The renovation of the Chinari Kindergarten will include the installation of new bathrooms, new electrical, new doors and windows, new flooring and new paint throughout the facility. In addition, new furniture and supplies will be purchased and installed as needed.