My Relationships in Olgii

I love my job. Now I'm sure that as soon as some select family members (and especially the four other Americans currently in Olgii) read that, there may be an eye roll or two. No doubt that dedicating two years of your life - literally on the other side of the world - has its ups and downs, but I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that I have been given. If nothing else, the relationships that I have developed will be lifelong and life changing. I am lucky enough to have several social groups in Olgii to call home, and here is my attempt to introduce them to you.

My school community at School #5

School #5 in Olgii

There are 10 schools in Olgii itself (6 public schools, and 4 private schools including a Muslim school and a Mongolian-Turkish school). My school is the largest of them all with just over 3,000 students and 110 teachers. Although, while having the highest enrollment, it remains stuck in its image of the 'country school.' As many families migrated to the city over the years looking for jobs, many of them started building literally on 'the other side of the river' (where School #5 stands alone). Thus, this stereotype has been cemented in the community, and a complete lack of resources doesn't help.

The Sports Teachers (and project leaders)

My Sports Teachers

There are six sports teachers at school. Although none of them speak English (in fact the sports teacher who has the best English can only say 'Brian I am hungry, vodka?'), I have become closer with this group than anyone else. Living within this particular Muslim culture, relationships across gender lines develop much much slower; and with them being the majority of male teachers at school, they quickly accepted me and started to work and hang out with me. They are all very passionate and dedicated, and that is what makes this project so important for me, to be able to provide sustainable resources that will finally allow them to provide real education for the students. 

My Host Family (and invaluable friend Sabit)

Sabit and I at the Muslim festival Noirs 

There is absolutely nothing I can say that will approach the level of appreciation I have for the Kazakh host family that I live with. Sabit (also an English teacher at my teacher - and co-project manager) has been beyond welcoming, hospitable, and helpful. As another volunteer in Olgii put it, "Every Peace Corps volunteer needs a Sabit." I'm not sure I would have made through the -40 degree winter without them. They help me chop coal and wood, navigate my way through Olgii life, and always have tea and dinner waiting. I have no doubt that I am one of the luckiest volunteers in the world for being placed where I have.

Sabit's 2 yr old daughter Gulmera - who can now say 'goodnight'  

My English Club

Our Halloween Party with watermelon Jack-O-Lanterns

Perhaps one of the most successful aspects of my service thus far. Most of the more 'English interested' students not only further their language education, but also immerse themselves in various American cultural activities. We have had Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Valentines Day, and St. Patrick's Day parties; as well as, an Easter egg hunt, 'American' football games, popcorn movie nights, and a homemade 'Make your own pizza' party. As in all things, it has simply been great to meet the kids on a more personal level outside of the formal structure of a classroom. 

The English Teachers 

My English teachers and I at our 'Teacher's Day' banquet 

It has been an incredible year just getting to know all of the English teachers at my school (with maternity leaves included - I've had around 14 in all). They are all incredible teachers that are passionate and self-motivated in not only providing English education for their students, but also in pursuing a higher level of English proficiency for themselves. Although the culture has handicapped our relationships on a more personal level, we have been able to enjoy a successful working relationship (and I look forward to next year with anticipation to hit the ground running).

My school's Director

My Director, Beibit and I

One of the most common complaints among Peace Corps volunteers is that of their director. Often times they refuse to work with the volunteer and fail to support the volunteer (both in administrative and financial support). I am very fortunate to say that I have encountered none of these problems. From day 1, Beibet has been open and available in every aspect at school. He is the one who came to me with the project idea, and has given me support for the project every step of the way.