The education reform initiated by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhammedov stipulates for establishing the network of modern school and preschool educational institutions with the well-developed infrastructure. Balkanabat exemplifies the successful accomplishment of these undertakings – a ‘children’s town’ including a school, a kindergarten and an entertainment centre under construction.

The administrative centre of the Balkan Velayat is turning into the arena for the large-scale social and economic reforms. 14th district, the district of newly-constructed buildings, to become the business centre of the ‘capital of oil industry workers’ sprang up in Balkanabat in recent years. A housing estate is under construction nearby. A school designed for 600 children is under construction in the district to be the largest housing estate in the town.

In less than a year, in February 2008, the new school will open it doors to young citizens. The school will house comfortable classrooms, computer rooms, a cultural and entertainment centre, gymnasiums and a swimming pool… In a word, all necessary conditions for good studies, children’s aesthetic and physical development. The Atayurt Company (Turkey) implements the construction project.

A remarkable architectural premiere will take place this autumn, on the eve of Independence Day. Children will receive a wonderful present – the builders of the Shakturkmen Company (Turkey) are to build a kindergarten in Balkanabat. All favourable conditions will be created there for children’s integrated development: classrooms and art studios and sports mini-complex. The air conditioning and ventilation system will maintain the optimum microclimate in the building. The building will have the autonomous water, gas and energy supply systems.

According to the Social Construction Department of the Turkmenneft State Concern, the Children’s Health-Improving Centre will be put into operation in Geokdere, a picturesque locality near Ashgabat this autumn. The construction site of the Nebitchi children’s recreation centre is some kilometers far from Balkanabat. The ideal climatic conditions of the natural pearl of the Kopetdag Mountains are the best location for the children’s health-improving centre. The newly-built health-improving centre designed for 550 children will comply with the international standards and provide a splendid opportunity to recreate as well as get acquainted with the unique nature of the Kopetdag Mountains, to make fascinating tours around the Turkmen capital, to visit museums and theatres…

Within the next few years, the large sports complex including the 10,000-seat stadium, gymnasiums and open playgrounds, an aquatic sports complex are to be built in Balkanabat within the large-scale construction programme. The Ene Myakhri Maternity and Child Care Centre is to be built in the town. The people of Balkanabat have the grandiose plans for future, and the plans are to be fulfilled as Balkanabat makes headway in social reforms.