Renovated kindergartens in Maglaj and Domaljevac operational again

Kindergartens in Domaljevac and Maglaj reopened their doors in January 2015 after the successful completion of renovation works on the extensive damage caused by the May floods in 2014 at both locations. The EU Flood Recovery Programme provided significant financial support for the renovation of these facilities, totaling approximately EUR 305,000.00 (BAM 600,000.00), it was announced, reports the BH News Agency Patria.

The kindergarten in Maglaj required complete renovation, and the works included the installation of electrical systems, a new heating system, sanitary facilities, flooring, replacement of carpentry, as well as renovation of walls, facade, and roof. The EU Flood Recovery Programme provided EUR 192,500.00 (BAM 358,000.00) for the renovation works of the kindergarten, as well as an additional EUR 22,500.00 (BAM 44,000.00) for equipping it with new furniture and didactic materials. The project was co-financed by SOS Kinderdorf for the execution of interior works in classrooms and office spaces. Almost 70 children, who mostly stayed with their families during the works, are now attending kindergarten again.

- We were also fortunate that our donors paid attention to the quality of the executed works. When we reopened in January, we were as excited as if we were coming to work for the first time. We finally put away the shovels, brooms, and rags and returned to our actual jobs - states Džeraldina Delić, director of the kindergarten in Maglaj.

A similar story unfolds at the kindergarten in Domaljevac, which was flooded for two weeks, causing the complete destruction of all furniture and premises. Considering that 95% of the Domaljevac municipality was flooded, there was no organized childcare service in alternative premises during the kindergarten's renovation. Therefore, the completion of renovation works at this kindergarten brought great relief to parents in Domaljevac.

- When the floods hit our municipality in May, I was further concerned by the fact that the kindergarten my children attend was also damaged. I was aware that this situation would last and that it would be difficult for me to organize going to work and childcare. To my great joy, the kindergarten reopened, and my worries disappeared - emphasizes one of the mothers, Magdalena Klarić.

Immediately after the water receded, the municipality of Domaljevac and the kindergarten management developed a renovation and reconstruction plan. Funds were secured through the EU Flood Recovery Programme in the amount of EUR 74,000.00 (BAM 137,000.00) for the complete renovation of the facility (reinstallation of electrical systems, installation of a new heating system, sanitary facilities, flooring, replacement of carpentry, as well as renovation of walls, facade, and roof), as well as an additional EUR 16,500.00 (BAM 32,300.00) for the purchase of new furniture and didactic materials.

- All works were successfully completed thanks to the generosity and big hearts of dear people who, right from the beginning when the kindergarten was still underwater, showed that they were ready to help us and give us hope and comfort - states Nada Hadžihaskić, director of the kindergarten in Domaljevac.

The kindergarten currently provides services for about 20 children, but a larger number is expected in the future, given the increasing demand for kindergarten services in this municipality.