With the help of EU funds, an unused primary school building in the village of Ivanka pri Nitra, in south-west Slovakia, has been transformed into a kindergarten. This has expanded the existing nursery’s capacity with a new class for 14 children.
- 18 June 2020
This project fulfilled the conditions for granting a call for applications for a non-repayable financial contribution to increase the infrastructure capacity of kindergartens, and subsequently the decision on its approval was issued.
The new building has increased the kindergarten’s capacity from 42 to 56 children, making Ivanka pri Nitre more attractive for families with young children or couples who plan to start a family. The project has improved the offer and level of pre-primary education in the region, resulting in job opportunities and socioeconomic development in the village. In doing so, the project has contributed to a better quality of life for residents.
Putting an underused building to good use
The new building is located where both the primary school and the existing kindergarten are. Until recently, the existing kindergarten had a capacity of 42 children, divided over two classes, both in the same building.
The renovated building was formerly used for the primary school’s administration, workshops and school club activities. Thanks to the project’s efforts, the building has been provided with a new insulated facade. The roof has been completely renovated, including the rainwater drainage.
Internal makeover
The building’s interior was redesigned. It now features a dressing room with lockers where children can store their clothes and a washing room with showers and new toilets, separated from the rest of the room with light dividing walls. There is a separate toilet for staff.
Further down the hallway, a dining room with a new kitchen was installed. At the end of the corridor, a transparent plastic wall separates the extracurricular rooms from the actual kindergarten, where the daycare facilities with playrooms and a separate bedroom are located. A small office for the kindergarten teachers and staff was also constructed.
An entirely new playground, surrounded by protective fencing, was constructed with a playhouse, slides and swing sets.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Construction modifications of the kindergarten Ivanka pri Nitre including the area” is EUR 126 747, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 107 735 through the “Integrated” Regional Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Technical facilities in municipalities with high share of marginalised Roma communities”.