This project was sponsored anonymously by 2 different AmCham members. The plan was to provide fruit trees to the poorest families in one of the poorest villages in the Issyk-kul Oblast. To minimize the potential for waste, AmCham used a local American volunteer who lives in the village to ensure that trees go to only the poorest families. Because the volunteer is an accepted member of the village society her involvement provides a tremendous level of oversight.

 
A trusted fruit tree farm on the south shore                    The order is verified and the trees are inspected

 
Roots are inspected for health                                     Operating on a large scale reduces costs

 
The trees are transported to a poor village                   Villagers come young and old for the seminar

 
Fruit tree care is taught to the villagers                         The AmCham Director speaks about investment

 
Records ensure trees go to the poorest families            The trees are distributed

 
Over 60 families each receive 7 fruit trees                    The villagers go home happy with trees that will

(not all of whom are pictured here)                             bear fruit for 20 years and provide extra income