Most every village we visit has a kindergarten school (daycare), and they are in need of the most basic classroom materials. This kindergarten is in the village of Balabanesti, Criuleni County. The school is about 40 years old. It was closed for 10 years before reopening again in 2003. There are a total of three buildings (not including a separate kitchen), in which two are in fair condition to be utilized. The school currently has 80 children between the ages of two and seven that attend. This kindergarten can not meet the needs of the village as many children are being turned away due to a lack of accommodations. The Mayor has replaced a few windows and doors, and a current project is underway to provide the school with running water. You will see in the pictures a silver container above the sinks. That is where they bring the water from the wells and put in these containers to wash their hands with. Used tables have been donated from the community, but many are broken and not able to be repaired. Each child is also required to bring a chair from home, many of which are big, old, or not suitable for school work. LDS Charities has been asked to help with table and chairs for this school. We were able to make a visit, and took Elder Cantlon and Elder Vandermark with us soon they could see village life. It was very touching for them to see the circumstances these children live in every day. Elder Cantlon was able to place a Book of Mormon with the librarian Lidia Zatic who will partner with us on this project. We are always amazed at the dedication of these special women in these schools. The Lord will bless them for watching over his children
