Seeking Donations!

I can’t even begin to fathom how many individuals actually read my blog, but if you’re reading this, then I’d have to assume you care somewhat about the Kyrgyz Republic.

Every Friday at half past two, 15-20 young women, ages 15-23 attend our Women’s Leadership Club. As Megan and I put finishing touches on our lesson plans, the ladies trickle in – eventually filling up a large circle in our classroom at the Kyrgyz-Uzbek University.

The three goals of Women’s Leadership Club are to 1. Practice English 2. Discuss issues relevant to women in Kyrgyzstan 3. Have fun. In the process we hope to transfer important skills and to facilitate and foster a safe environment for local women to dialogue about issues that effect their lives.

Past session topics included: dream jobs, careers, gender expectations, resume writing, cover letters, interview skills, mock interviews, labor migration, human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, sexuality/safe sex, menstruation, self-esteem, culture, breaking stereotypes, Black History month, effective communication, challenges women face, and assertiveness. So far we have held twenty-one sessions. Upcoming sessions will be focused on nutrition/women’s health, homosexuality, prostitution, body image/concepts of beauty, and goal setting.

Every week a core group of girls show up, but there are always new people too. The core group of girls also comprises the student planning committee for the Southern Kyrgyzstan Women’s Leadership Conference that we are developing.

The leadership conference will be for 3-4 days. Our student planning committee has been meeting regularly to decide on session topics, local leaders to invite, presenters, activities, venues, and other aspects of the event. They have already designed a logo and a slogan for t-shirts and certificates.

The Women’s Leadership Club has been one of the most fulfilling activities of my Peace Corps service thus far because the young women who come to club are so inspiring. They are intelligent and motivated – which in turn motivates me. We’ve had some amazing, and some difficult discussions on topics some of our girls have never spoken about before. I feel good about helping them to critically think about their environments and issues that impact their lives. On top of all that, we’ve been able to share cross-cultural experiences.

This is where you all come in. Up until now, Megan and I have been paying for the materials we use during club with money from our living stipends. We would love to set up a Women’s Leadership club fund through donations. Just a small budget, would help us do more with the club over the course of the next year and a half, and would help us reach more young women.

Materials here such as flipcharts, small notebooks, markers, and the like are all fairly inexpensive. A couple hundred dollars would go a long way. If you would like to support our Women’s Leadership Club please email me at beckyj6043@hotmail.com and I will send you my mailing address. Cash and/or office supplies would be much appreciated.

On behalf of Women’s Club – Thanks!