A school canteen is more than just a place to eat. It’s where children recharge for learning, build friendships, and feel the care of the adults. The story of H. Fakirov School No. 20 in Khuroson proves that something as simple as a bowl of hot soup can be a game-changer. Let’s explore how this school’s canteen transformed from disrepair to renewal.
From past to present
With 2,421 students, School No. 20 is one of the largest in Khuroson District. Since its construction in 1976, it has shaped many successful individuals, including the Minister of Justice of Tajikistan.
Despite the achievements of its graduates, one part of the school — the canteen — had long been in disrepair. It hadn’t seen a single renovation since the school’s opening. Decades of wearing out and a lack of resources turned this space into a shadow of its former self. The walls were crumbling, and the equipment was unusable, yet over 1,000 primary school children came here for their daily hot meals.
No kitchen, just a bonfire
For Malika Zarifova, the school’s cook, dedication is second nature. In her ten years at the school, she managed to serve children hot meals despite incredibly challenging conditions. An oven, refrigerator, or a water heater? Those were distant dreams. Meals were cooked over an open fire, and bread was baked in a clay oven, or tandoor. Winter or summer, water had to be fetched from the nearest well.
Yet the children always received their meals because Malika knew she wasn’t just preparing food — she was offering warmth and care. Her perseverance kept the schoolchildren fed even when the equipment failed.
When dreams start coming true
For years, the issue of the canteen renovation was discussed, but financial constraints made it impossible for the school or local community to act. Finally, in 2024, long-awaited change arrived. The residents of Kyzyl-Kala Jamoat took the first step, joined by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI).
On March 1, 2024, School No. 20 turned a new page in its history. WFP Deputy Country Director Charles Inwani and School Meals Programme Coordinator Jamoliddin Nuroddinzoda laid the foundation stone for the new canteen building. In less than six months, the transformation was complete.
A modern space where visions come to life
Today, the canteen at School No. 20 is a spacious, modern, and welcoming place. It features a large dining hall, a fully equipped kitchen, storage rooms, a staff cloakroom, and an office. The canteen has become a hub where children learn that food can be both delicious and nutritious, all in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The walls are decorated with colorful posters promoting healthy eating, while state-of-the-art equipment like ovens, refrigerators, and water heaters have made the cooks’ work much easier. Most importantly, meals are now prepared quickly and safely.
Turning dreams into reality
Malika Zarifova now smiles as she describes how her work has changed. No more lighting fires or hauling water from afar. The modern facilities have inspired the whole team. Her assistant, Jurabek Bakovuddinov, participated in the Best School Cook 2024 competition, making it to the semifinals and receiving a commemorative gift and certificate.
The story of School No. 20 shows that a renovated canteen is about more than just food — it’s about care, love, and teamwork. The canteen has become a symbol of transformation, a reminder that even in the toughest conditions, solutions can be found when people come together.
So, when a school bell rings in Khuroson, children rush to the newly renovated canteen to enjoy their hot, hearty meals and imagine a bright future.
From past to present
With 2,421 students, School No. 20 is one of the largest in Khuroson District. Since its construction in 1976, it has shaped many successful individuals, including the Minister of Justice of Tajikistan.
Despite the achievements of its graduates, one part of the school — the canteen — had long been in disrepair. It hadn’t seen a single renovation since the school’s opening. Decades of wearing out and a lack of resources turned this space into a shadow of its former self. The walls were crumbling, and the equipment was unusable, yet over 1,000 primary school children came here for their daily hot meals.
No kitchen, just a bonfire
For Malika Zarifova, the school’s cook, dedication is second nature. In her ten years at the school, she managed to serve children hot meals despite incredibly challenging conditions. An oven, refrigerator, or a water heater? Those were distant dreams. Meals were cooked over an open fire, and bread was baked in a clay oven, or tandoor. Winter or summer, water had to be fetched from the nearest well.
Yet the children always received their meals because Malika knew she wasn’t just preparing food — she was offering warmth and care. Her perseverance kept the schoolchildren fed even when the equipment failed.
When dreams start coming true
For years, the issue of the canteen renovation was discussed, but financial constraints made it impossible for the school or local community to act. Finally, in 2024, long-awaited change arrived. The residents of Kyzyl-Kala Jamoat took the first step, joined by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI).
On March 1, 2024, School No. 20 turned a new page in its history. WFP Deputy Country Director Charles Inwani and School Meals Programme Coordinator Jamoliddin Nuroddinzoda laid the foundation stone for the new canteen building. In less than six months, the transformation was complete.
A modern space where visions come to life
Today, the canteen at School No. 20 is a spacious, modern, and welcoming place. It features a large dining hall, a fully equipped kitchen, storage rooms, a staff cloakroom, and an office. The canteen has become a hub where children learn that food can be both delicious and nutritious, all in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The walls are decorated with colorful posters promoting healthy eating, while state-of-the-art equipment like ovens, refrigerators, and water heaters have made the cooks’ work much easier. Most importantly, meals are now prepared quickly and safely.
Turning dreams into reality
Malika Zarifova now smiles as she describes how her work has changed. No more lighting fires or hauling water from afar. The modern facilities have inspired the whole team. Her assistant, Jurabek Bakovuddinov, participated in the Best School Cook 2024 competition, making it to the semifinals and receiving a commemorative gift and certificate.
The story of School No. 20 shows that a renovated canteen is about more than just food — it’s about care, love, and teamwork. The canteen has become a symbol of transformation, a reminder that even in the toughest conditions, solutions can be found when people come together.
So, when a school bell rings in Khuroson, children rush to the newly renovated canteen to enjoy their hot, hearty meals and imagine a bright future.