Financial Safety and Apple Trees: What We Discussed in the Village of Sogundu

The Bank Kompanion team recently visited the village of Sogundu in the Alay district, where we held a community training at Bunisa Arzieva Kindergarten No. 11.

Sogundu, surrounded by mountains and evergreen trees, is located 20 km from Gulcha. The kindergarten, built in the 1980s, welcomes 50–55 children daily. A dedicated team of 12 staff members not only educates the children but also actively cares for the space where they live and work. On the day of our training, the staff was repairing the playground with their own hands.

As always, we came not only to deliver a training but also to share practical knowledge that helps people live and work better.

How to Ensure Apple Trees Bear Fruit Every Year

One part of the training focused on agriculture and veterinary care. Using the apple trees near the kindergarten, we explained and demonstrated the importance of thinning apples correctly, especially in June during natural fruit drop. Residents asked practical questions:

– Why does an apple tree that is 6–7 years old still not bear fruit?
– Why are there many blossoms but little harvest?

We shared practical advice and actionable tips so that each participant could apply this knowledge in their gardens and achieve consistent yields.

We also touched on livestock care, discussing simple yet important criteria for selecting dairy cows that are often overlooked.

Agents: A Small Bank Within the Village

Our managers explained the services that can be accessed through Bank Kompanion agents right within the village, such as cash withdrawals, opening deposits, and applying for online loans. For many residents, it was eye-opening to learn that having an agent in the village means they can manage their finances without having to travel to the district center.

Why We Do This

For us at Bank Kompanion, these trainings are not only about sharing knowledge but also about building trust and fostering growth together. We see how important it is for rural communities to have access to information, tools, and opportunities that make life more convenient and secure.

Together, we learn and grow, creating a future where every child, every family, and every entrepreneur can thrive while preserving their roots and traditions.

Growing Together, Learning Together

For the team at Bank Kompanion, these trips are more than just training sessions. They are an opportunity to work side by side, listen closely, understand people’s needs, and share knowledge in a clear and accessible way. They are a chance to learn from each other and to build spaces for growth—where children play, gardens bloom, and life becomes a little easier and safer.

We believe that financial literacy and access to services are the foundation for the sustainable development of villages and regions, and we are honored to be part of this journey.

    For the city we live in. Bank Kompanion.

    Cleanliness in the city starts with simple things — a convenient bin near your home, a tidy courtyard, respect for your neighbors and shared spaces. For a city of over a million, these things matter even more.

    At the initiative of Bank Kompanion and in partnership with the municipal enterprise “Tazalyk,” a new corporate social responsibility project has been launched: the first batch of waste containers has been donated to the city of Bishkek.

    The distribution of bins is carried out in collaboration with the city hall — to places where they are truly needed.

    This project is about respect — for the city we live in, and for those who need support.

    “For us, being close means more than just financial assistance. Being helpful also means caring for the environment and finding simple solutions that make everyday life more dignified. We envision Bishkek as a city where comfort is accessible to everyone,” noted the Bank’s Sustainable Development Department.

    This project is part of Bank Kompanion’s broader program focused on ecology, sustainability, and targeted aid in both the capital and the regions.

    We believe: small actions create big change — especially when done together.

•     reducing ecological footprint;
•  promoting sustainable habits among staff;

Bank Kompanion’s Green Contribution to Childhood

The Karakol branch of Bank Kompanion has implemented a large-scale environmental and social initiative to green the areas surrounding preschools in the villages of Issyk-Kul Region. The project is aimed at improving children’s health, developing gardening skills, and strengthening ties with local communities.

Currants and Apricots as an Investment in the Future

As part of the initiative, kindergartens in the Jeti-Oguz, Tyup, and Ak-Suu districts received:

• 400 currant bushes,

• 384 fruit tree saplings.

These plantings became not only a beautiful addition to the playgrounds but also a future source of natural vitamins for children — in the form of fresh fruit, jam, and compote.

“We were happy to take part in the project. The children are excited to see how the trees grow and help take care of them. We believe that in just a few years, we’ll have our own eco-friendly fruit garden,” said a preschool representative in the village of Darkhan, Issyk-Kul Region.

A Partnership That Works

The project was implemented by the Karakol branch of Bank Kompanion with the support of local nurseries and municipal authorities. The branch also covered the logistics and transportation costs. Training on how to care for the plants was provided with the help of the bank’s business development specialists.

“It’s important that we didn’t just plant trees — we shared knowledge on how these plants can become a source of additional income,” said Bank Kompanion’s business trainer, Omurbek Chynybaev.

ESG in Action

This initiative reflects Bank Kompanion’s focus on the ESG approach: environmental protection, social responsibility, and community engagement.

“We believe that working with children and their environment is an investment in a healthier, more responsible future. This project shows how a bank can be part of ecological and social transformation at the local level,” noted the Karakol branch team.

About the Program

Bank Kompanion regularly carries out CSR projects throughout the country — from supporting sports schools to helping digitize healthcare facilities. The greening of kindergartens in Issyk-Kul Region is another step toward sustainable regional development.