DUSHANBE, November 25, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy Robert Burgess and Tojikobod District Chairman, Mr. Alizoda Khomjamir on November 21 officiated the opening of Shireen Chasma Orphanage in the Shireen Chashma Jamoat of Tojikobod District in the Rasht Valley.

The orphanage is a U.S. Embassy project that began in 2013 with the intention of providing adequate housing for both orphans and students residing at the boarding school while creating an environment conducive for learning. The project increases the school’s capacity to care for orphaned children in the district and includes dormitories, classroom space, dining, and hygiene facilities that will be used to house up to a dozen orphans from the local area. Prior to the construction of the new orphanage, the school operated beyond its initial capacity with children sleeping in two of the school’s classroom.

U.S. Embassy staff, with the help of local government officials and District education representatives, identified the need to provide sanitary and adequate living conditions for the students and orphans of Tojikobod District. This was accomplished through numerous meetings, visits and surveys between the U.S. Embassy representatives and the local government.

The new Shireen Chasma Orphanage will serve as tangible proof of the U.S Government and the Tajikistan Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan’s cooperation to improve the quality of life and education of orphans and students in Tojikobod District.