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“These are the times to remember…”
The AZ6’s have arrived although I have not met any of them yet. However, this weekend 4 AZ6’s will have a region visit to Goycay hosted by Kelly and I. I am very much looking forward to this visit. I have been reading some of their blogs; which makes me feel rejuvenated as I reminisce over my first year and how much I have changed and grown. It is also a testament to what a person can get used to. As I read their blogs I remember the things that were shocking to me and that bothered me, things I hardly notice now or that have become anticdotal. I will also be going as “staff” to lead sessions on organizational development and grant writing for the CED trainees.
I have had a good month. It is starting to get rainy and colder. I took two students to apply for the FLEX program (http://www.aifs.org/aya/flex/) and one student graduated to the second of three phases. The FLEX program sends students from Eurasia to America to live with an American host family and go to high school for a year. This is free of charge for the student and her family but they have to prove a certain level of English proficiency and open-mindedness to a different culture. My star student Husniyya is both of those things and I have only high hopes for her. For example, when you ask a girl what she wants to be when she grows up, you usually get one of three answers: teacher, doctor, or housewife. These are the culturally excepted jobs for women and coincidently the lowest paying jobs as well. When I asked Husniyya this question she said; “I want to be an Astronaut!” She then explained how her parents disapprove and how she is afraid to tell people of her true dreams. I do nothing but encourage this “out of the box” thinking and truly hope she gets a free year in America. If she does I will of course commit to visiting her wherever she is placed and perhaps even flying her to Berkeley to visit me and to see more of America. No matter what happens I am so proud of her!
I also found out today that my internet café for females was approved as amended; with slightly less computers as an initial investment. I think this is a progressive project and am very excited to begin its implementation. I continue to work on my marriage registration seminars. They have been going well with strong turnouts and good discussions.
That’s what is happening with me at the moment. I know I update this blog very irregularly and I am trying to be better about that. Below is a picture of Husniyya!
Much love to all of you,
Kat Zig
Disclaimer: “The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.”
I have had a good month. It is starting to get rainy and colder. I took two students to apply for the FLEX program (http://www.aifs.org/aya/flex/) and one student graduated to the second of three phases. The FLEX program sends students from Eurasia to America to live with an American host family and go to high school for a year. This is free of charge for the student and her family but they have to prove a certain level of English proficiency and open-mindedness to a different culture. My star student Husniyya is both of those things and I have only high hopes for her. For example, when you ask a girl what she wants to be when she grows up, you usually get one of three answers: teacher, doctor, or housewife. These are the culturally excepted jobs for women and coincidently the lowest paying jobs as well. When I asked Husniyya this question she said; “I want to be an Astronaut!” She then explained how her parents disapprove and how she is afraid to tell people of her true dreams. I do nothing but encourage this “out of the box” thinking and truly hope she gets a free year in America. If she does I will of course commit to visiting her wherever she is placed and perhaps even flying her to Berkeley to visit me and to see more of America. No matter what happens I am so proud of her!
I also found out today that my internet café for females was approved as amended; with slightly less computers as an initial investment. I think this is a progressive project and am very excited to begin its implementation. I continue to work on my marriage registration seminars. They have been going well with strong turnouts and good discussions.
That’s what is happening with me at the moment. I know I update this blog very irregularly and I am trying to be better about that. Below is a picture of Husniyya!
Much love to all of you,
Kat Zig
Disclaimer: “The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.”
Awsome Post