by Johna on September 25, 2011
OK, I’m going to make some generalizations about Gen Y in Kyrgyzstan. These generalizations are a broad leap because I can only speak about those that I’ve actually met. Granted, it’s possible that they are cut from a special cloth but…..
I had the pleasure of meeting Venera Ziazidinova, Elvira Karipova and Ilhom Umarahunov.
Generation Y
They are Kyrgz twenty-something’s who were our interpreters, coordinator and guides for various pieces of the trip. They embody the future of Kyrgyzstan. Most of the leadership of this evolving country grew up under Soviet rule. Some, but not all, were content with the government, leadership and choices presented with that political and economic model. Regardless of their feelings about communism and the Soviet leadership, it no longer exists in the form that they once knew it in Kyrgyzstan. The country is in the midst of a reinvention and the talented minds of today and tomorrow will lead the country to it’s future.
Venera, Elvira dn Ilhom have a deep understanding and love of their culture and a desire to progress and evolve. These twenty-something’s and others like them will lead Kyrgyzstan into it’s bright and challenging destiny.
by Johna on September 15, 2011
Bishkek Legacy Training
The Legacy International training in Bishkek was so much fun! Our delegation trained about 70 women and a couple of brave men in topics related to “Creating a Sustainable Organization”. Like most training sessions it started a bit slow…. We had the extra challenge of training with an interpreter. (The time lag while the interpreter does her job makes it difficult to maintain a train of thought plus there’s always the question of choosing the right words to ensure clear communication.)
This training was somehow different than others I’ve offered. The two sessions I offered were only a little over an hour each. Yet with that limited time, somehow they opened up, I opened up and we found common ground, with an increased understanding beyond the topics covered in class.
In this short time, they went from being a handful of ladies much like I have met any times in my life, to a group of passionate, independent, beautiful, diverse women. They have the same basic challenges that I have, plus so many more. They have so much to be proud of because they are driving change in a whole new world in Kyrgyzstan.
The Legacy International website highlights some of the projects and accomplishments of their alumni. Yet each of the participants has achieved amazing goals.
We all parted ways with warm hugs and appreciation for the friendship that developed during those two short days. We all parted ways with warm hugs and appreciation for the friendship that developed during those two short days.
