08.08.2014  17:25

The notion that friendship and cooperation with other countries, as well as the strengthening of friendly relations with the citizens of other states, is only possible at the state level is now in the past. As of today, we see that in the resolution of problems, individual citizens, groups and organisations (that is, non-governmental organisations) are in involved. Among these organisations is the Women’s Public Union of Erayim, which was formed from the moment of Kyrgyz independence. The organisation has made a significant contribution to the development of our country. Erayim cooperates with British Non-Governmental Organisations and closely liaise with them and recently held a meeting with the British Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic. For this reason we decided to ask a few questions to the leader of the charity, Rakhila Ismailovna Zhusupova.

-“Rahilla Ismailovna, you are the head of the Women’s Public Union Erayim, which is now not known only in Kyrgyzstan, but throughout the world. You have demonstrated to everyone that the women of Kyrgyzstan are incredibly strong-willed, courageous and achieve all the goals they set out to do. Thanks to you, investors have been attracted and their resources have been used in the development of our country. You have also constantly held various charity events and promotions. Of course, your input is invaluable. But nevertheless, I would like to find out more about the business dealing of your organisation with partners from the UK?

- Yes, of course, if we talk about all of our activities and successes, I’m afraid we will not have time for this. Let our people and actions speak about our work. To answer your question, I can say that we have successfully collaborated with British and foreign Organisations for many years. After all, our main goal is the future of our children. Therefore we create all the necessary conditions for free foreign language learning. To this end we have organized groups for learning the English Language, especially in remote and mountainous areas. Starting in 2004, we began to work with an English teacher from the UK: Claire Reeves. Since then, we have worked together successfully. Despite the fact that she is 60 years old, she is extremely energetic and has taught us a lot. This year, thanks to the support of the German organisation ‘Bread for the world’, we have created both self help groups in the south of Kyrgyzstan to help improve inter-ethnic relations, as well as English Language groups. Activists usually manage the project, using all sorts of resources to help the studying of English. Also, at our request, Claire Reeves developed a programme called the ‘English Summer School’. It is this programme that we have implemented this year.

- Did she come this year?

- Unfortunately, she was not able to come this year due to family circumstance. In her stead, she sent us Joe Colleyshaw, a 4th year student from the University of St Andrews. Along with Joe came 8 volunteers. On the basis of a preliminary agreement, they were sent to different regions to teach English. For example, two students from the University of Sheffield – Thomas Waugh and Michael Wood, and another student from St Andrews University – Oliver Lockhart, taught 270 students in the At-Bashi District in the Kasike Mambetalieva Secondary School. In a short time they achieved good results. Local coordinators of Erayim – Fatima Shadybekova and Saltanat Baitokueva (also a local English teacher) helped the volunteers to organize and conduct their classes.

- So can you say with confidence that the villager now speak fluent English?

- Not quite yet, but the interest of pupils in remote villages to further improve their language skills is undeniable. We showed them the source of knowledge. Students Matthew Baker and Anastasia Gotoceva, students from St Andrews University and Bristol University, respectively, held classes in the Borochieva School in Alchalu in the Chui Region. 85 students from Alachalu and nearby villages of Kara-Oh and Taldybulak, had the opportunity to attend language classes. According to our local coordinator, Gulmira Umetaliev, “the volunteers lessons attracted children from large families and lower economic backgrounds.” It should be noted, that to learn a foreign language you usually need to pay for it. On average, the price now ranges from 1000 som to 3000 som. Therefore, you can imagine how invaluable the contribution made by our volunteers who put their soul into working with the children.

- Did some volunteers teach in Bishkek?

- Yes, in secondary school No.77 of the Ak-Orgo settlement. At the school Alexander Thomas, a graduate of University College London, and James Carter, a student of St Andrews University. 130 students were in attendance. By the way, on the basis of our organisation, the educational centre Buchur was established, where the volunteers conducted classes. The head of the centre, Aitbubu Sepisheva, provided assistance to the volunteers so that they could work both efficiently and comfortably. The lessons were attended not only by schoolchildren, but also by university students.

- Is it true that the teacher training course was successful?

- Absolutely so! This event deserves a special mention. In the capacity of volunteers, the Garsed family came from England to lead this course. They held a 10 day master class in English Language in At-Bashi, in the Naryn Region. Teachers had the opportunity, free of charge, to gain additional knowledge. It was attended by 23 teachers from 21 schools. They showed teacher new teaching methods according to international standards. On the completion of the programme, the Garsed family had inspired teachers to readily put their acquired knowledge into practice. We would like to mention the head of the district department for education, Duishenbeka Dohotklohva, for her great assistance.

 - You have spoken in detail about volunteering, but I would like to know about your collaboration with the British Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, as you say that you are working closely with the Embassy?

- To establish a relationship with the Ambassador is not so simple. We have managed to do it thanks to the reputation of our organisation and as a result of our activities. In the past, Ms Judith Farnworth has visited our schools in the Chui Region and the Ak-Orgo Settlement in order to show her interest in the work of the volunteers. At the same time, she also visited us. This year she visited School No.77. The meeting was held at our educational centre, Buchur, in Ak-Orgo. The Ambassador is already acquainted with all the teachers at the centre, and is also well known to the students of the school. This time she personally attended the lessons of the volunteers, and then proceeded to discuss the work of the volunteers, providing them with suggestions and help. Her visit this year was organised by the coordinator of the ‘English Summer School’ programme, Joe Colleyshaw, a 4th year student of the University of St Andrews in Scotland. The Ambassador did not forget about the students and brought them symbolic gifts. The Ambassador was able to then talk to our activist, and the conversation was very lively and useful. The Ambassador was extremely happy that her fellow countrymen were doing such charitable work, and thanked Erayim. The volunteers also stressed the need for further collaboration with the embassy, whilst Erayim activists told the Ambassador about the opening of 2 projects in the south of the country: the ‘School Radio’ and ‘Maternity school’ programmes. Generally speaking the meeting was extremely interesting and fruitful. We very much hope that we will continue our warm and friendly partnership in the future.

- Today we have discussed only a small part of the activities of the organisation Erayim, over which you preside. Of course, we will meet with you again and in the future we should expect another pleasant conversation. I wish you good luck, prosperity, good fortune for your organisation, in the name of and for the benefit of Kyrgyzstan!

Interviewer: B. Azhymamatova