DUSHANBE, October 29 2010, Asia-Plus  -- On Thursday October 28, U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Ken Gross participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating renovations recently completed at the Boarding School for Orphans #4 in Dushanbe.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, the U.S. Department of State''s Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia (EUR/ACE) funded the renovations for a total of $12,000 and Counterpart International’s Community and Humanitarian Assistance Program (CHAP) in cooperation with Physician’s With Heart implemented the project.  Also participating in the ceremony were Mr. Hussein Mahmadov, Khukumat of Dushanbe City, Department on Education, curator on Boarding Schools, and school Director Mr. Qutbiddinov.

Renovations of the facilities included two large classrooms, a corridor, the washroom, the entrance hall, the teachers'' lounge, and the stairwell. Activities included replacing old wooden doors and windows with vinyl ones; re-plastering and painting walls, floors and ceilings; upgrading the electric system; and installing new flooring. The school serves 375 orphans, foster children and children from vulnerable families, including more than 200 full-time residents who receive primary education there.

Since 1992, the American people through the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe have provided approximately $900 million in programs that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education, and economic growth.