AFG: Projects: Children: Education
Kveda Bakhvi School Project
Personal Observations from the Executive Director: Bakhvi is a beautiful village near the town of Ozurgeti in the region of Guria. During his last trip to Georgia, the late Frank H. Greinke (one of the pioneer investors in Georgia, founder of Greco Group and Honorary Consul of Georgia in California) visited this town and its impoverished Secondary School. Frank was very moved by a warm welcome and special reception that the school had arranged for American guests and was disturbed to witness the condition of the school classrooms and gymnasium. At one time considered one of the most prominent schools in the region, it has not been repaired since 1986 with half the roof missing and the floor of two classrooms having collapsed and injuring teachers and students. The school also lacks very basic supplies, textbooks and received only $1,500 funding for the whole school year. The total enrollment is 187 students which includes students who reside in Bakhvi and the surrounding villages.
In April 2005, Frank H. Greinke passed away and his family and friends decided to fulfill his last dream and have raised over $10,000 to renovate the Kveda Bakhvi School. Mrs. Greinke and family members traveled to Georgia in October for the grand opening of this renovated school and were present at the First Bell (Back to school celebration).
AFG Accomplishments: AFG is assisting in fundraising and has:
- Transferred $10,800 to a special account for the school to re-roof the school building, replace broken windows (almost 60% of the windows are broken) and repair the indoor gymnasium and basketball court.
Current Needs: Kveda Bakhvi School needs funds to:
- Install two new restrooms.
- Renovate preschool and kindergarten building.
- Collect books and clothes for students and residents of Bakhvi.
- Purchase brand new school supplies such as books, eraser boards, globes, world maps, educational tapes and a desktop computer with wireless Internet access.
