University Project Update

So I started raising money for my university book project. I'm pretty excited about it and think that it's going to be a success. The teachers are fired up and ready to get to work to redevelop the curriculm. I feel really lucky that I have such a strong site with motivated individuals. They are rock stars. This is the letter I sent out to everyone and their mother. It's amazing how people have taken from the small amount of money they have to donate to my project. I am just amazed. Still need about $600 more dollars before we are ready to start the week of training.


Dear Friends,

I am writing you to tell you about what I have been doing in Kyrgyzstan during my last year as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Battling food born illness, keeping warm during the winter, and learning how to work in a new environment has been challenging and completely rewarding. I knew the Peace Corps slogan was “the hardest job you’ll ever love”, but it’s amazing how much that rings true. I have fallen in love with Kyrgyzstan and the person I have become while living here the last year.

During the winter, the English department teachers sat down and had a serious discussion on what could help the university prosper. I asked them, ‘What can I do to help you?’. After going around and around, the final decision was new teaching materials and book trainings would aid teachers to improve their teaching techniques and students to retain more information in the classroom.

In our time of globalization, Kyrgyz students realize that English is vital to succeed in a world economy. The most lucrative Kyrgyz and international jobs require a high level of English proficiency, which motivates university students to master the language. Together, we as a department have put together an action plan to set up students for future success in our changing world.

Please go on to https://peacecorps.gov Click on Donate, then Donate to Volunteer Projects and search by “Kyrgyz Republic/Education”. We are hoping to raise $955.92, conduct the training at the end of June, and implement the new curriculum come September. All donations are tax deductible and all money will go directly to me to handle. Thanks for your love and support over the last year and the next year to come.

All good thoughts,
Katie Guthro