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Bishkek to award winners of School Meals: Caring for the Future journalism contest

2024-11-12 19:36 Kyrgyzstan
The nationwide journalism and blogging contest, School Meals: Caring for the Future, which featured the work of talented Kyrgyz journalists and bloggers dedicated to promoting the importance of nutritious school meals, has been finally summarized. Organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic with support from the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI), the contest aimed to highlight the value of the National School Feeding Programme. The top awards went to outstanding Kyrgyz media professionals who displayed exceptional creativity and professionalism.

The contest featured four categories: Television, Print and Online Media, Radio, and Blogging. A panel of judges reviewed all entries and selected the winners:

  • Television: First place went to the Mir TV channel and journalist Aida Amatbekova. Judges praised the high production quality and original storytelling, which resonated strongly with viewers.
  • Print and Online Media: The newspaper Kut Bilim was recognized as the winner for its comprehensive analytical article on school meals, highlighting the topic's relevance for both parents and society at large.
  • Blogging: Umida Nurdinova impressed the judges with her unique, personal approach. Her blog posts sparked significant interest among followers and helped raise awareness of school feeding issues.
  • Radio: Taalagul Chabdarova from Birinchi Radio took first place for her radio show, which engaged listeners in a lively discussion on school feeding.

The award ceremony will take place on November 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. Top Ministry officials and SIFI President Vladimir Chernigov will award the winners with certificates for purchasing equipment valued at 150,000 soms and diplomas in recognition of their contributions to promoting healthy eating and supporting Kyrgyzstan's School Feeding Programme.
Mr. Chernigov said he is proud of the participants. "This competition not only supports talented journalists but also helps society realize the importance of school meals. The topic of school feeding is not just about health; it's about our shared future," he added.
Looking ahead, the organizers hope the contest will grow and attract even more journalists and bloggers next year to make school feeding an inseparable part of public discussions. Plans include refining selection criteria and adding new participation formats to encourage broader involvement.

School Meals: Caring for the Future contest has inspired journalists and bloggers to contribute to a healthier future for Kyrgyz children, fostering momentum for positive change in the nation's school feeding system.