IREX Tajikistan

IREX Tajikistan is pleased to present you with an update of our education program activities and news on current participants
and program alumni from Tajikistan. If you have questions about any of the activities discussed in this report, please feel free
to contact us.

Global UGRAD Program:
In the month of November the recruitment for Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) in Eurasia and Central Asia began. IREX staff delivered informational presentations at universities throughout Tajikistan and consultations at IREX offices to recruit potential applicants for this program. Almost 20 presentations and 15 consultative meetings took place during the recruitment period. UGRAD alumni living outside the capital offered their assistance and organized presentations in the universities at Khujand and Khorog to introduce other students to the wonderful study opportunity in the US and share their particular experiences. The presentations began in mid-November and concluded December 7. The deadline for application submissions for 2009-2010 Global UGRAD Program was December 10, 2008.

Teachers Excellence Achievement Program (TEA)
During November TEA Fellows returned to Tajikistan after a 6-week professional development exchange program at Lincoln University in Nebraska. IREX Staff welcomed them at the airport and conducted a debreifing at the IREX office where they shared their impressions of the US with the acting IREX EPD Program Manager, Susan Armitage. Together, they discussed available Grant Programs and ideas for further development and networking. Susan urged them to wisely use grant opportunities in order to give back to their communities.

Continuing its support to TEA alumni, a workship entitled, “Professional Development: Teaching Methodologies and Lesson Planning” was conducted on December 13, 2008 in Dushanbe. Twenty-one TEA alumni attended the conference which was lead by Anne Milazzo, Program Coordinator from Washington, DC. The conference focused on the development of professional skills. The overall objective of the hands-on workshop was to allow the TEA Alumni to share with their colleagues effective teaching strategies that they have successfully implemented in their own lesson plans after their TEA experience in the United States. Through micro lessons led by TEA Alumni and “tested” on their peers acting as “students”, this interactive approach provided a dynamic setting for the participants to actively engage in sharing their best practices and to network.

Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program (MUSKIE)
The 2009 Edmund MUSKIE Fellowship deadline for applications fell on the October 31. In the month of November, IREX Tajikistan reviewed 179 applications of hopeful candidates for technical eligibility while a committee of locally-based American experts reviewed, scored and ranked all eligible applications. Based upon the final rankings, Muskie applicants were contacted regarding their status and semi-finalists were announced and informed of the upcoming testing (GRE, GMAT and TOEFL) and face-to-face interviewing schedules.

Alumni Networking Hour, Khujand:
On November 3, 2008, 6 UGRAD alumni from the Sugd Region gathered for a networking dinner at the local Cafe Casa Bonita in Khujand. Alumni discussed recent achievements and future plans with Bakhtiyor Isoev, IREX EPD Program Coordinator, also a UGRAD almnus (2006). A special guest at this event was David Holzmeyer, US Embassy English Language Fellow teaching English language at Khujand State University. Among many quality plans and ideas discussed at the networking event, IREX staff had a chance to inspire alumni to help with upcoming UGRAD Program recruitment. At the conclusion, all attendees agreed to actively participate in alumni orphanage visits event scheduled for the next day.

Alumni Orphanage Visits, Khujand:
The next day, on November 4, UGRAD alumni from Khujand paid observational visits to local orphanages in Sugd Region with the purpose of identifying potential problems existing at the orphanages that could be effectively addressed through alumni activities. Discussions centered around ideas to continue clothing drives for the winter of 2009. While at the orphanages, alumni interacted with the children, playing games with them and leading other educational activities. Also on that day, the alumni visited the Home for Elderly and Disabled People in Dehmoy district of Khujand, Boarding School #1 in Khujand and Boarding School in Chkalovsk, Elderly Homes, Baby Homes and School for the Blind and Visually Impaired children in Jamoat Koztakoz to do needs assessments.

Diaper Drive for Home for Elderly and Disabled People in Dehmoy, Khujand
As a product of “Alumni Orphanage Visits”, organized by IREX Tajikistan, Oyshakhon Eshonova (UGRAD alumna 2007) and Mahfuza Sobitova (UGRAD alumna 2007) initiated and organized a diaper drive for the Home of Elderly and Disabled People on November 11, 2008. Oyshakhon and Mahfuza engaged in conversation with chief nurse for the children with special needs of the Elderly Home who introduced alumni to ongoing activities and needs for these children. The conversation with the chief nurse helped UGRAD alumni to identify the problems and difficulties the eldery and disabled people face. As a result of the meetings with the home’s administration, it was evident that the immediate needs for the children included diapers and socks. The long term needs were more substantial, including early childhood development and and educational needs. To address the short term needs, a Diaper Drive was organized, recruiting students from the Asiri Library in Khujand, American Corner visitors and amongst the broader community. For collection purposes, a box was specially designed and placed at the American Corner. Overall, over 150 diapers were collected by December 3, 2008 and IREX Tajikistan supported the alumni in delivering the donations on December 6, 2008. The administration of the Elderly Home had expressed their gratitude to the UGRAD alumni and everyone who made donations!

Community Outreach Alumni Focus Group Meetings and Orphanage Visits, Isfara;

On November 6, 2008 ECA alumni from Khujand traveled to Isfara to complete Alumni Focus Group Meetings with the purpose of discussing recent achievements and brainstorming ideas for future alumni programming. Alumni both from Khujand and Isfara gathered first at Relief International Schools Online administered by the Internet Learning Center to talk about ideas and places to visit – orphanages, blind-schools, sightseeing places and similar places. This was a very powerful tool for networking and making connections with peer fellows. It was also a productive tool for IREX Staff to encourage USG alumni and Internet Learning Center’s visitors to apply to Global UGRAD Program, Edmund MUSKIE and Teachers Excellence Achievement Program (TEA). Among many quality ideas and events discussed, alumni paid observational visit to local Orphanage in Shurab (a village close to Isfara). Earlier in the month of October, alumni had also visited this orphanage to learn about the conditions and life of orphans and identify possible ideas for implementing. As a follow up, alumni decided to continue their service in that orphanage and organized a “Talent Show” with orphans. Alumni treated them with candies to recognize their talents. At the end of the day, UGRAD alumni handed clothing donations collected at their homes to the orphanage.

Email Management Training, Dushanbe:
On November 26, 2008 IREX Tajikistan presented “Email Management Training” to UGRAD alumni and some representatives from local and international NGOs. IREX Educational Programs Division Program Coordinator, Bakhtiyor Isoev developed the training module and materials. Participants benefitted from learning about how to manage their emails. Topics included prioritizing messages according to their urgency and importance, customizing email accounts for professional and personal needs, and developing virtual communication skills and writing precise electronic messages and categorizing messages.

Stress Management Training, Chkalovsk:
2008 TEA alumna, Nina Yakovlevna, facilitated the “Stress Management Training” for high school students in Chkalovsk. The two-hour training was attended by over 20 students from two local high schools. The participants learned how to generally cope with stressful situations and practiced several stress management techniques and designed their personal plans for managing stressful situations.

UGRAD Alumni Help with Global UGRAD recruitment in Tajikistan;
IREX solicited support from alumni throughout Tajikistan for the 2009-2010 Global UGRAD recruitment process. With limited recruitment resources it is very difficult for IREX staff alone to cover the entire country, which is 93% mountainous. UGRAD alumni were very helpful in disseminating information about the 2009-2010 Global UGRAD Program. In Khujand Khurshed Tajibaev (UGRAD 2005) gave a presentation at the IATP center for the Khujand Branch of the Technological University. Mahfuza Sobitova (UGRAD 2007) led a presentation at Khujand State University. In Khorog, Husnoro Zikilobekova (UGRAD 2004) and Mehrafruz Jonmamadova (UGRAD 2005) gave presentation at the University of Central Asia. In Isfara, Mukhlisa Parpieva (UGRAD 2007) gave a presentation and consultations at the ILC for Technical College students. In addition, Veronika Razikova (UGRAD 2004), Oyshakhon Eshonova (UGRAD 2007), Valijon Ranoev (UGRAD 2005) and Nadejda Sosnina (UGRAD 2005) volunteered their time during the recruitment process assisting IREX Staff with presentations. A “big” THANKS to alumni for their help!

Celebration of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Dushanbe
In recognition of Human Rights day, on December 8, 2008 nearly 15 university students, USG alumni, US Embassy and International NGO representatives gathered at the IREX office in Dushanbe to discuss Human Rights conditions in Tajikistan and celebrate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law in Tajikistan provided a detailed assessment of Human Rights in Tajikistan and also presented their organization’s activity in defense of Human Rights. Attendees engaged in a lively discussion on human rights violations in Tajikistan and all over the world.

Annual Clothing Donation Drive, Dushanbe:
In an effort and deep desire to help low-income and disadvantaged people outside Dushanbe, UGRAD and MUSKIE alumni ran a clothing drive “Bringing hope and help” for elderly homes, orphanages and boarding schools in Sugd Region. Prior to announcing the drive, in the month of November, alumni from Sugd Region had visited the orphanages and observed the conditions and lives of orphans. Having discussions with chief nurses and orphanage administrations, alumni determined that elderly homes need towels, warm blankets, pampers, bed pans and warm clothing and the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children asked for shoes for their children. The period for making donations lasted from December 5 to December 20th. Without a doubt, the people living in Dushanbe were eager to help their compatriots living outside the capital. Eight large boxes of donated items were collected, which will be sorted and delivered to orphanages in Khujand before the beginning of the February. A batch of winter clothing was delivered to the Dehmoy Home for Elderly and Disabled People on December 27, 2008. Contributors included US Embassy staff, representatives of Asian Development Bank, UGRAD and MUSKIE alumni and many ordinary citizens living in Dushanbe. Thank you all very much for you generosity and desire to bring hope and help to disadvantaged people.

Professional Development Successful Interview and Job Techniques Training, Khujand:
Muskie 2004 alumna Manzura Makhkamova, director of Legacy Consulting, with support of IREX –Tajikistan organized the Professional Development Successful Interview and Job Techniques Training at her office on December 16, 2008. Over 18 undergraduate and graduate university students, USG alumni, representatives from local and International NGOs from Sugd Region attended the training to develop resume writing skills and interview skills. The training also covered such topics as how to conduct oneself during a job interview, how to answer interview questions and proper interview attire. Attendees also benefited from her personal experiences as Manzura has hired many employees for her organization, and she learned a lot over the period of her work experience with people of different backgrounds. IREX Staff, Bakhtiyor Isoev, (UGRAD 2006), traveled to Khujand to ensure the logistics and organization of the training.

Time and Money Management Presentation, Chkalovsk:
On December 18, 2008 high school children in Chkalovsk gathered for a Time and Money Management Training. The two-hour training was led by Bakhtiyor Isoev (UGRAD 2006) and IREX EPD Program Coordinator and facilitated by Mahfuza Sobitova (UGRAD 2007) and Mukhlisa Parpieva (UGRAD 2007). This training was attended by over 20 students from School-Gymnazium # 1 and School Lyceum #1 who met at School Lyceum # 1 to benefit from this training. Participants had an opportunity to learn how to manage time and money effectively by playing interactive games and identifying major time absorbers. Furthermore, they enjoyed practicing several time management techniques and designed their personal plans for managing money. Newly arrived 2008 TEA alumna, Nina Yakovlevna, had also facilitated the training and urged the importance of conducing such training more in future.

Alumni Outreach Focus Group Meetings, Khujand and Chkalovsk:
From December 17-19, 2008, UGRAD alumni from Sugd Region met at different schools and corners of Khujand and Chkalovsk to discuss possible ideas for community service and volunteering in Sugd Region. First, alumni met at American Corner in Khujand on December 17th, 2008 and discussed UGRAD alumni role in the of theAmerican Corner’s programming and possible ideas for strengthening the cooperation between USG alumni and American Corners in Tajikistan. Madina Pulatova, coordinator of American Corner in Khujand, urged alumni to organize alumni events such as trainings, English Language Clubs, round-table discussions on the monthly basis. After the meeting, alumni headed towards Dehmoy Home for Elderly and Disabled People to do a need assessment and arrange a visit in the end of the December to bring donations collected as a result of Clothing Drive ran in Dushanbe. Later that evening, UGRAD alumni gathered at the national cafe, Zaytun, to continue discussions about achievements and current updates. The next day, December 18th, 2008, UGRAD alumni assisted IREX staff to train high school student to use money and time effectively. Both alumni and participants enjoyed the training and expressed their interest in further having similar trainings in the future. On the last day of the meetings, alumni continued the same training in school # 9 in Khujand. TEA alumna 2007, Munavvar Zaripova, helped to facilitate the training. The purpose of these meetings was to establish and develop cooperation with local youth organizations and schools.

Digital Video Conference, Dushanbe

On December 23, 2008, US Government sponsored alumni from Tajikistan gathered at the US Embassy Conference Room for a digital video conference with the United States Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy, James Glassman. The conference was a powerful opportunity for alumni to ask questions regarding the possibility of increasing funding for exchange programs between Tajikistan and the US. During the conference, Undersecretary Glassman called upon continuing alumni commitment to the home community. The event was organized by Bakhtiyor Isoev (UGRAD 2006 alumnus) and supported by 2008 Democracy Outreach/Alumni Grant Program of US Embassy in Dushanbe. Prior to the conference, alumni gathered for a networking lunch at the Arabic Restaurant Al’Sham to discuss recent achievements and network with each other. After the dinner and before the conference, all alumni met with her Excellency Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson at Information Resource Center of the US Embassy in Dushanbe. The Ambassador urged alumni to keep up their good studies and work. The meeting was followed by a tour of the Embassy to learn about its operations in Tajikistan. Shohin Rizoev (MUSKIE 2004), Valijon Ranoev (UGRAD 2005) and Oyshakhon Eshonova (UGRAD 2007) particularly enjoyed the conference.

UGRAD Networking Event, Khujand
UGRAD alumni in Khujand concluded the year by celebrating and discussing next year’s priorities and ideas at the national cafe Zaytun on December 27, 2008. At this event, alumni recalled successful projects completed during 2008 and discussed their ideas for 2009. IREX staff urged alumni to use Alumni Small Grant Program (ASGP) and Project Smile (PS) to continue their commitment to making an impact in their home communities. One of the highlights of the event was the idea from an ‘07 alumni to organize a welcome home party and workshop for the 2008 fellows who will join the alumni community this summer.

MUSKIE Networking Event, Dushanbe:
Over 12 MUSKIE alumni from Dushanbe gathered for a networking event at the Indian restaurant Delhi Darbar on December 27, 2008 to discuss recent achievements and plans for future alumni programming. Among many quality ideas discussed at the networking event, alumni focused their attention to available grant opportunities in Tajikistan such as Alumni Small Grant Program (ASGP) administered by IREX, Democracy Outreach/Alumni Grant Program administered by the US Embassy in Dushanbe and many other grant programs. Of many activities discussed, the idea of running a “Hiking Summer School” for USG alumni this summer was very well received. Alumni shared contacts with each other to help find experts to be involved in this project.

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Nilufar Shukrikhudoeva – Global UGRAD Fellow at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado
Nilufar is definitely enjoying her American Government, US History, Western Civilizations, Humanities and College Algebra classes at Otero Junior College and she successfully completed her first semester with outstanding grades on her classes. In addition to her academic success, Nilufar held a cultural presentation about Tajikistan on campus. The presentation was held for the International Relations Organization (IRO). Over 30 international students and IRO staff attended the presentation. She is also planning to hold one more presentation for high school students after winter break when she starts her internship.

Masuda Sobitova – Global UGRAD fellow at Graceland University, Lamoni, IOWA
Having exceptionally passed her final exams at the end of Decem

ber; Masuda began celebrating her first Christmas Holiday in the US. “Christmas holiday, one of the most popular holidays in the United States, was another good experience for me. The famous tradition during this wonderful holiday is singing Christmas Carols that to make life more colorful and bright. Last weekend international Students Office of our university organized a trip to a Nursing home (old people house). There, I with other international students sang Christmas songs and talked with old people. We were very happy to meet with them and they showed great interest towards our culture, religion and holidays. It was a good meeting and an opportunity to share cultures and traditions”-Masuda writes in her email to IREX Tajikistan.

Farangis Yuldosheva – Global UGRAD fellow at University Nebraska, Kearney, Nebraska
Farangis enjoyed helping

Kearney Democrats spread Obama stickers and voters' applications. “It was very interesting job! I've learned a lot about political thoughts of UNK students and teachers. The majority at UNK, as well as in the whole state of Nebraska, are republicans, however, in general they were very patient to Obama campaigns. Though, a student told me that I am a brave girl to do such job in Kearney, because some people really don't like democrats, and especially Obama. I faced only one difficulty during my job: a woman from the cafeteria started to argue with me that Obama was not a good leader. I had to compromise with her by saying that I was politically liberal. In general, I liked my job, because I've made a lot of friends among supporters of Obama, and many UNK students came to know me”- notes Farangis in her message to IREX Tajikistan.

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Alexander Sadikov (UGRAD 2004)
In the month of November, Alexander was working as a Programme Assistant for Counter Terrorism and Police Issues in the OSCE Office in Tajikistan. Alexander and the Counter Terrorism and Police Adviser, began work on designing a comprehensive Police Reform Strategy for Tajikistan. When finalized, this document is expected to serve as the basis for a complete Law Enforcement reform in the country. Later, in December, Alexander conducted research on the relationship between the national authorities and mainstream religious groups in Tajikistan. The research as part of a broader study, is aiming at presenting an up-to-date picture of the state of religion in Central Asia.

All programs are programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, US Department of State, and Administered by IREX.

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