February 10-13 – The former head of state travelled to the southern provinces to promote high quality school meals, increased access to preschools and creating jailoo preschools. Ms. Otunbayeva held meetings with Deputy Minister of Education and Science D. Kendirbaev, World Food Programme head R. Saravanamuttu, UNICEF Kyrgyzstan head J. Veytcha, Japanese ambassador to Kyrgyzstan T. Koike, regional administrators and managers, local council deputies, regional heads, local departments of education heads, pasture committee leaders, school principals, social work department chiefs and NGO activists. In each region there has been some progress in opening new preschools, acquiring equipment and training educators. In 2013 14 preschools were opened in Jalal-Abad, 45 in Osh and 26 in Batken Oblast. This month the first Montessori preschool in southern Kyrgyzstan was opened in Jalal-Abad.Osh State University opened a charter preschool for its preschool education majors to test innovative new teaching methods. Pasture Committees in each region enthusiastically supported the establishment of preschools in jailoo areas and expressed willingness to open some this summer. During her visit, the former President visited eight preschools, three of which are located in border villages of Batken (Ak-Sai, Ak-Tatyr and Pasco). At Osh State University Ms. Otunbayeva met with the faculty and students of the Education and Psychology Department. In Jalal-Abad Russian Montessori expert N. Smirnov gave a lecture for preschool directors on the Montessori method. In Jalal-Abad, Jalal-Abad State University president A. Abdrashev presented Ms. Otunbayeva with a diploma and announced the Academic Council of JASU’s decision to make her professor emeritus. Afterwards, the former President visited Jalal-Abad Teachers’ College and its dormitories to meet directly with students. In Osh, Ms. Otunbayeva participated in a lively exchange of views on modern education, job options and career guidance with high school students at her alma mater, Kirov Secondary School.