DUSHANBE, June 27, 2015, Asia-Plus – According to the University of Central Asia (UCA), five young women and five young men make up the UCA Summer Camp counseling team.
All in their twenties, they have come from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Austria, Canada, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States.
For 24 year old Firuza Umarova from Tajikistan, it was a firm commitment to contribute to the development of Central Asia; “I was born and raised here. I am privileged to have a good education, so I feel a responsibility to share my skills and efforts with others,” Firuza said.
“Education matters,” she goes on to explain, “I want camp participants to know that their future is in their hands. They will shape their own lives. I especially want girls to know that they should not be limited.”
Umarova is a graduate in Economics from Tajik National University and has worked in the development sector. She herself has sought out regional and international educational exchanges, completing an exchange year in the United States and participating in international youth conferences. While her favorite academic subject was mathematics, she is passionate about art and is studying painting and sketching.
Umarova met Tajik Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Olim Rahimov at the Summer Camp opening ceremony, where she introduced him to participants from Tajikistan. Recalling his own positive experiences at summer camp, Rahimov reinforced Umarova’s broad perspective, saying, “This camp is not just about improving English and Math skills, but also about fostering international communications and strengthening regional relationships.”
Aisuluu Kudaiberdieva, of both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, shares this regional view, as well as Umarova’s commitment to giving back to the region. Kudaiberdieva, 21, is a third year student in Business Administration at the International Ataturk-Alatoo University in Bishkek. She speaks five languages, is an experienced debater and has qualified as a Kyrgyz champion in fencing. She also runs her own business in children’s entertainment.
Alasdair Anderson, 24, began working with young people soon after he graduated from University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He came to the UCA Summer Camp from the UK, after learning about UCA; “I’m inspired by the vision behind UCA and am excited to be involved.”
This is not Anderson’s first time in Central Asia. In 2013 and 2014, he spent six months working with the European Union, teaching English in Kyrgyzstan.
Khalid Keshavjee, 20, from Canada, was keen to join the UCA Summer Camp counseling team, saying “I want to engage with students and improve their academic performance. I believe that camp is a good way for students to learn skills that schools do not teach. It is also a great way to improve the students’ holistic development.”
To prepare for the Summer Camp, the counselors underwent a comprehensive four-day training program. In addition to an orientation to UCA and the Central Asian context, the training covered a range of skills and issues, such as the role of a counselor, the Summer Camp culture, leadership and team building skills, facilitation strategies, and building trust among participants. The counselors also explored potential scenarios and responses and learnt about risk management.
The UCA Summer Camp runs from 17 June to 7 July 2015 at the Sinegorie Pansionat on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. The Camp brings together 76 exceptional Grade 10 students from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for a unique academic enrichment experience, where they improve their English and math skills and receive critical support to enter local or international universities.
Camp sessions follow a rigorous schedule combining academics with other learning opportunities. Each morning is spent studying English and math. Other sessions provide information and resources to enhance success with university applications. The counselors work closely with Summer Camp teachers to ensure that participants are maximizing learning opportunities and staying on track. They also facilitate other activities including sports, drama, debating and field trips, providing additional opportunities for participants to practice English-language skills, learn and share experiences.
