When Trees Take Root, So Do Relationships
Interview with Mamet Yrysbayev, Director of the Sports School in Uzgen District, Osh Region — a participant in Bank Kompanion’s community support initiative.
How It All Began
— Mr. Yrysbayev, how did you first hear about the project and what made you decide to take part?
— One of the representatives from Bank Kompanion told us about it. He explained that the bank supports grassroots initiatives that bring real value to local communities. In our case, the need had been building up for years — we badly needed landscaping around the school and proper sound equipment. We used to borrow gear from other institutions, which wasn’t sustainable. So when this opportunity came up, we didn’t hesitate.
— What has this project meant for your school?
— It’s real, tangible support. We’d dreamed about this for a long time, and this time everything came together quickly and efficiently. That kind of responsiveness is truly motivating.
Greener Spaces, Brighter Spirits
— Why was greening the school grounds so important to you?
— The grounds were bare and lifeless. In summer, it was dusty; in winter, bleak and cold. We wanted the children to be surrounded by something alive — to see trees, feel a sense of nature, of care.
— What did you plant, and who was involved in the process?
— We planted 100 poplar saplings and 50 conifers. All school staff took part. Senior students joined in, too — they were incredibly enthusiastic. It became a moment of true unity.
— Have you noticed any changes already?
— Absolutely. The whole atmosphere has shifted. The school looks more welcoming, livelier. Even people from the village started stopping by just to see what’s new. It’s made a visible difference to the school’s environment.
— Who will take care of the trees going forward?
— Our school’s security guard, Ulukbek Orozov, has taken responsibility for that. He’s a dependable person. And honestly, we all care about these trees — the whole team will support him.
Sports That Bring People Together
— How important was it for your school to receive new sound equipment?
— Very important. Without proper sound, there’s no celebration — especially for the kids. We host a lot of sporting events, and you can’t run them well without good audio equipment.
— Any results you’ve seen already?
— Definitely! On June 1st — International Children’s Day — we organized a regional sports festival. Schools from all over the district came together. We held volleyball and football matches for students under 14. That very day, Bank Kompanion handed us brand-new sound equipment. Since then, we’ve already used it for three events. It works perfectly. We’re truly grateful.
When Business Stands With the People
— What do you think about the fact that it was a bank that supported this initiative?
— It says a lot. Bank Kompanion is a respected, reliable organization. The fact that they chose to stand behind us — that means we’re not alone. And that matters.
— Had you worked with the bank before?
— Personally, I use their services — I receive my pension and transfers through Bank Kompanion. I also save money with them. It’s convenient, and everything runs smoothly.
— Which banking services are most relevant for you and your community?
— Transfers, small loans, and savings. Especially in rural areas, having access to those services makes people feel more secure.
— In your opinion, why is it important for businesses to engage with local communities?
— Because public institutions like ours often operate with limited resources. Without partners, it’s difficult to make real progress. A bank has the power to support — and when it does, it makes a big difference.
A Personal Note
— What does this project mean to you personally?
— It’s a vote of confidence in our team. It feels good when your ideas don’t just stay on paper but actually take root in real life.
— How do you see this kind of initiative evolving in the future?
— I see great potential. If we keep going, we can achieve a lot — both in terms of sports development and environmental care.
— And finally, what would you like to say to Bank Kompanion?
— A heartfelt thank you. I wish the Bank Kompanion continued growth, success, and more initiatives like this. You’re by our side — and that truly makes a difference.
