Edutainment at Issyk Kul

July 22, 2013

AUCA’s Continuing Education Center (CEC), in partnership with USAID, conducted a two-week “Edutainment” event in Issyk-Kul for 33 students from Osh. “One World” (in Russian Единый Мир, in Kyrgyz Бир Дуйно), was organized with the goal of providing educational opportunities for students from southern Kyrgyzstan, as well as some summer fun.

The camp, organized by AKME, a local children’s learning center and CEC partner, included creative master classes, activities to develop creativity and trust, sessions to develop personal growth, team sports and games, meetings with local role models, and, of course, swimming.

In the evenings the students got to use their knowledge through organized quiz shows, contests, and directed conversation. The students also got to show off their dance moves.

The 10-day camp was supported by psychologists and professional coaches, who were able to create for the students a 10-day educational and entertainment-filled marathon.

“We are learning new things, and everything was so exciting from day one, that we did not notice how the days have been flying by,” said Bekzat Karybekov, a 7th grade student from School 27 in Osh. “One of my favorite classes was one on martial arts, which was physical, but also teaches you about focus and self-control.”

Aizhan Shared, a 9th grader from School 14 said, “I’ve made a lot of new friends, and learned a lot. The coaches are great, and create a lot of fun activities and games. We play, we learn, it’s great!”

The students were accompanied by teachers from their schools, which helped to create a safe atmosphere. “Our students are very open, and here they have really learned to express their opinions. We can see them getting more confident with each new skill they are learning,” said a teacher from school 27.

The best events were the ones that featured successful young Kyrgyz people who came to mentor the students. Alumni from AUCA were particularly active in the coaching, spending extra time with the students after their sessions were complete.

The sessions were varied, and included a lesson in diction from local newsperson Mirza Dyuyshenbekova, as well as a demonstration of Wushu, an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.

Every day at camp was a new day for knowledge and self-awareness, and students learned to trust and communicate with each other, to work as a team, and to be better friends. For the 33 students that participated in the “One World” camp, we hope that their hard work will lead to a brighter future for everyone with whom they connect.

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