Dealing with a Bully

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

Oksana is a girl that I work with at the Poltytechnic College (PTL). She mentioned a few times that she gets bullied by her classmates. She is the only girl in her class. As a result, the boys often pick on her. They have pulled her hair and even started fights with her. She is strong and usually fights back, but was getting tired of it.

I talked to the director and asked him if he could move her into another group, but he said it wasn't possible since it is the end of the school year. Part of the problem is that when the boys do this during class, the teachers ignore the situation and don't deal with it.

Since it continued to be a problem, Oksana and I decided to speak with one of the kids that was causing the most trouble. He is a boy that I have a relationship with because he came from one of our groups at Saramoldaeva orphanage. I talked with him and he promised me that he would not pick on her anymore. I asked him to also talk to the other boys, since they often look to him as the leader of the class. He promised to talk to the other boys.

After a few days I asked Oksana how things were going. She said that he did talk to the boys that same day and told them that I asked them to stop picking on her. Even though I don't have close relationships with them, most of them know who I am. Oksana said that the one boys has stopped picking on her and the others have decreased.

It is exciting to be in a situation where Oksana can come to me, confide in me, and I have the relationships to be able to help her. Hopefully, in the future we can even spend time with the teachers helping them to know how to deal with these kinds of situations in their classrooms.

A Weekend In Taraz

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

The delegation got a chance to rest some yesterday. In the morning, we took them to the bazaar. It was a fun cultural experience for everyone. Many were able to find souvenirs to take home, but I think they enjoyed watching the people even more. This was one of the first chances they had to just observe the everyday life of people in Kazakhstan.

Then, the American team and the delegation went for a picnic in the mountains. We had an enjoyable time relaxing and sharing stories from their time so far. Keith and Chic were really ambitious as they climbed one of the higher peaks. The timing of the trip was perfect since grass, flowers, and leaves are just beginning to appear.

Today, the delegation went bowling with children from two groups at Saramoldaeva Orphanage (about 20 children) that we sponsor. There was a bit of a mix-up with the reservation at the bowling alley, so we had the opportunity to play a few games outside before we started our bowling. It actually worked out really nicely because it allowed everyone to get to know each other before being split up on teams for bowling. Our bowling alley in Taraz only has four lanes, so we had to wait for all four lanes to free up.

Tomorrow morning we will be taking the youngest children at Saramoldaeva Orphanage to the park to ride rides. We will also be touring Ulan Orphanage and Interlingua English School in the afternoon.

A Day of New Experiences

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

The highlight for the delegates today was the opportunity they had to meet the youth involved in the Youth Impact program. They were divided into small groups, with about one delegate per group. Each group had two or three students in it and one translator. Their goal was to go throughout the city using public transportation and take pictures of different things (photo scavenger hunt).

At first some of the delegates were a little nervous about going around town on their own instead of with a group of other Americans. When they returned, the youth, translators, and delegates continued to describe how wonderful a time they had. Each one had a story to tell. The only casualty was when Keith stepped on a man hole cover and it actually flipped causing him to fall in. He has some scrapes on his legs and will probably have a beautiful bruise to show off for a few days. The good thing was that one of the pictures they were supposed to get was an open man hole cover. Well, Keith provided the opportunity for his group to get five points. After the hunt, they had dinner together and then got to see some of the pictures of each group's time. The room was filled with laughter and talking as they shared stories of their trip around town. In the end, Ellen's group won, followed by Walter and Janet's group. Chic's group took third.

I thought it would be nice for you to hear about this trip from some of the delegate's perspectives. I hope you enjoy their stories as much as we have enjoyed hearing them.


Posted by Ellen Andrusia, Delegate

I arrived very tired but very excited to be here. The orphanage visit made my day. The children were amazing. The boys were showing off by skateboarding and the girls were playing games. They sang a song to us in Russian, which was beautiful. I gave them pictures of my grandchildren and they loved the pictures more than the toys. They read the letters from the sponsors to each other over and over. I did not want to leave.

The host family that I am staying with have been delightful. The family is Abuil, the father, Oluysa, the mother and Nigreez, sixteen year old daughter and Allawa, fourteen year old daughter. I spent last night watching Kazak MTV with the daughters.


Posted by Mary Doug Enghauser, Delegate

A primary reason for my trip to Kazakhstan was to meet Kaisar, a 13 year old boy at a small orphanage in the village of Vanofka. Our meeting was short but filled with a wide range of emotions; joy at seeing one another, shyness at how to relate, sadness at parting, and a longing on my part to know him more. I asked to see his room and his bunk bed. He pointed upward to the slats on the bunk above him and there were photographs of all my family. With tears, I realized that even with the very limited communications I have had with this little boy, we are important to him far beyond what I had imagined. I also saw the importance of those letters we are asked as sponsors to write. I have vowed to myself that Kaisar will never be without a letter especially when my failure to write him could mean he would be the only one without letter. It was a visit that fulfilled my hopes of what it would be like.

Kids Connection Delegation Visits Vanofka

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

Today the delegation started off their morning in Shymkent. They had the opportunity to meet with the coordinator of our English classes. They enjoyed the opportunity to catch a vision for what is happening related to English at our Shymkent Center. After this meeting, the delegation headed back to Taraz.

A highlight of everyone's day was the opportunity to spend three hours at VanofkaOrphanage. Vanofka Orphanage is a private orphanage with 12 children. The delegation taught the children some English songs and the children taught the delegation a song in Russian. The delegation had the joy of helping to pass out letters to the children from their Kids Connection sponsors and see the joy on the faces of children as they read the words that their sponsors had written.


One of the boys was extremely excited because today was the day that he had the opportunity to meet his sponsor. He was extremely shy at first, but opened up after some time. When he showed his sponsor his room, she noticed that he had all the pictures that they had sent him taped to the bottom of the bunk above his. His shyness sometimes kept him from showing how much their sponsorship meant, but the pictures above his bunk said it all.




The delegates are spending their first night in host homes tonight. Tomorrow, they will go on a tour of Taraz. In the afternoon they will be participating in a photo scavenger hunt with youth that have graduated from the orphanage and are part of our Youth Impact program.

Delegation Arrives

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

This morning the delegation arrived in Almaty at 5:45 am. After half an hour in customs and a hurried trip outside to send their luggage to Taraz, they went upstairs to check into their flight to Shymkent. They had just enough time to get on the flight before it left. In the frenzy, one piece of luggage may have been left behind. We will know better tomorrow whether the luggage all arrived safely in Taraz.

The delegates are tired, but overall feeling well. They are probably all in bed by now. We kept them pretty busy at the office in Shymkent. They had the opportunity to tour our office, see the work we do with children with Cerebral Palsy, visit with Crossroads, and get some helpful information about being in Kazakhstan.

For many, the highlight of the day was getting to spend time talking with students in a conversational English class. There were about twenty students and each delegate had a small group to talk with. At the end of the hour, the students didn't want to leave. Some of them exchanged email addresses.

Another highlight was getting to see the work that is done with children with Cerebral Palsy. There were about 7 children doing physical therapy when we went through for a tour. Many of the children came from a local orphanage. Often times children like this are given up by their parents. However, in this program many of the parents work together with the therapists to provide the physical therapy. As a result of this work, parents and children are able to see hope for their future.

IMPORTANT: Kids Connection Sponsors

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

This is a special note to our Kids Connection sponsors. Last weekend you should have received an email from us notifying you of some changes in the way that we will be working to keep you informed about your child. If you did not receive this email, we either do not have your current email address or your email filtered it as spam. Please email us at kidsconnection@interlinkresources.org if you did not receive this email. Also, in order to help us keep you informed, we are asking all of our sponsors to fill out a quick online survey. This will make sure that all of your information is up-to-date. Thanks for taking the time do do this.

The People Behind Interlink - Ember

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

As an intern for Interlink in 2008 my job is to serve in whatever capacity is most needed. Right now I work primarily for the Kids Connection program, visiting orphanages regularly, helping to celebrate birthdays each month, and doing the behind the scenes work it takes to make this possible. When able, I also help out with the Youth Impact program for orphanage graduates by building relationships and assisting with curriculum updates. At the office the artsy projects (photography or design) are happily finding their way to my desk keeping my to-do list full and exciting.

However, the focus of my first 3-6 months is culture and language learning. I have Kazakh lessons twice a week with a local Kazakh teacher whose standards are high, but methods are perfect for me. I also have the privilege of living with a Kazakh family. The family works on my lessons with me and provides an opportunity to practice. Outside of my lessons and home, I work to understand the life here. This may be as simple as figuring out and making the bus commute, shopping at the bazaar, enjoying a family party, playing games, or interacting with the office staff.

As I become more language competent and culturally aware I will be able to serve the team in greater capacity, which will be a help as delegation season arrives!

Dealing with a Bully

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

Oksana is a girl that I work with at the Poltytechnic College (PTL). She mentioned a few times that she gets bullied by her classmates. She is the only girl in her class. As a result, the boys often pick on her. They have pulled her hair and even started fights with her. She is strong and usually fights back, but was getting tired of it.

I talked to the director and asked him if he could move her into another group, but he said it wasn't possible since it's the end of the school year. Part of the problem is that when the boys do this during class, the teachers ignore the situation and don't deal with it. Since it continued to be a problem, Oksana and I decided to speak with the boy that was causing the most trouble. This is a boy that I have a relationship with because he came from one of our groups at Saramoldaeva orphanage. I talked with him and he promised me that he would not pick on her anymore. I asked him to also talk to the other boys, since they often look to him as the leader of the class. He promised to talk to the other boys.

After a few days I asked Oksana how things were going. She said that he did talk to the boys that same day and told them that I asked them to stop picking on Oksana. Even though I don't have close relationships with them, most of them know who I am. Oksana said that the one boy has stopped picking on her and the others have decreased. It is exciting to be in a situation where Oksana can come to me, confide in me, and I have the relationships to be able to help her. Hopefully, in the future we can even spend time with the teachers helping them to know how to deal with these kinds of situations in their classrooms.

Nauryz Pictures

Posted by Sara Coggins, Youth Impact Manager

Here are some pictures from the Nauryz celebrations that Beth, Ember, and I attended in Shymkent. We had the opportunity to see a concert and see several different cultural events take place. Check out our blogs above during the week to see some stories from our time.

Happy Nauryz!

We want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year! Today is Nauryz, the day on which Kazakhs celebrate the New Year. Many festivities take place at the town square and at the hippodrome (place where horse races take place). We'll post some pictures later in the week so that you can get a feel for the celebrations that take place.

Partnering with the Kids First Foundation

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

The first year of our Youth Impact program was made possible by a grant from the Kids First Foundation. Here is an article in their newsletter about the work we have been doing with youth in Taraz. We are extremely appreciative of their support as we continue with this new endeavor.



Note: To see the above article more clearly, click directly on the article.

Teacher Training Part II

Posted by Zina Omarova, English Program Manager

On the 13th, 14th and 15th of March the English Department organized the second round of IMPACT teacher training courses for 40 Taraz City English Language (EL) teachers.
The first day was devoted to the review from the first session. Our primary trainers Rosa Molchanova, Galina Polikhronidy and Marina Kirichenko presented the following themes:

Listening Activities
Watching Video
Lesson planning
Teaching Vocabulary
Teaching Grammar

The English teachers were grateful to Interlink for organizing these trainings that equip them to apply up-to-date communicative techniques.

Letters of Gratitude

Posted by Zina Omarova, English Manager

Today the director of IRI Beth Turnock and I met with the directors of Taraz State University, Taraz State Pedagogical Institute, Gymnasium # 40 and Gymnasium # 7. The purpose of our visit was to deliver Letters of Gratitude for their ongoing cooperation and support. In the past, they have allowed their teachers to miss school in order to participate as trainers and participants in our Teacher IMPACT program. Also, we congratulated these directors on the Kazakh holiday Nauryz (the Kazakh New Year) and gave them Interlink souvenirs. The director of the Pedagogical Institute offered the use of his facilities if we need them in the future to hold trainings.

Note: Gymnasiums are schools that have a higher academic standard, similar to magnet schools in the States.

The People Behind Interlink - Ken

Posted by Ken Baskette, Project Manager


I love working with orphan children in Kazakhstan. It is such a blessing to give and receive their love and friendship. You see their faces, in this photo, when we go to visit. At times we just play with them; other times we have a practical gift that will increase their standard of living. We celebrate their Birthdays, other significant holidays; give them letters from American sponsors back home; take them on field trips etc. I love my job!

New Beginnings

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

Last fall some girls participating in Youth Impact asked me to speak with one of their friends. She had recently found out that she was pregnant. She wanted someone to talk to, but since she didn't know me she didn't feel comfortable approaching me. After speaking with her friends, I set up a time to talk with her.

During our conversation, she told me that she was pregnant. She was a student at the local Technical College (PTL). She knew that she would be kicked out of PTL if they found out that she was pregnant because they do not allow girls that are pregnant to remain in the dormitory. The only place that she could go to live was with some relatives that live in the village, but they told her that they would only take her if she was willing to have an abortion. She wanted to keep her child, but she knew that if she did she wouldn't have a place to stay. We met regularly so that I could encourage her and offer her whatever help I could. I was able to encourage her in her decision to keep her child.

In December she was kicked out of PTL. She went to live with her relatives. Although they encouraged her to have an abortion, she decided not to. Today I found out that she has a three month old baby girl and is married. She will be coming to Taraz in May to visit.

If it hadn't been for the relationship I had with the girls that participated in Youth Impact, I would never have had the opportunity to encourage this young woman as she faced such a difficult decision. I am looking forward to seeing her and her baby girl in May.

Saramoldaeva Book Dedication

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

At Saramoldeava orphanage, Interlink sponsors three groups. The smallest children, a group of girls (mixed ages) and a group of boys. Each Tuesday we spend the day there, playing with the children and checking in on their needs. However, we are there not just for those children, but the orphanage as a whole and Interlink has had the privilege of assisting and partnering with Saramoldeava in remodeling and training projects. One of their most recent projects was a book detailing the history of Saramoldeava, the first book of it’s kind in Kazakhstan. Reporters interviewed children to capture their personal stories and the success of graduating children was celebrated. Interlink was happy to support the printing of the book and had the opportunity this week to attend the dedication ceremony celebrating its printing. Here are some quotes from the book…

“Interlink Resources, Inc. and Saramoldeava orphanage are connected with a friendship that has lasted many years”

“Everyone knows that it’s hard to be without hot water in the spring and fall, so to help with this situation, the employees of Interlink bought a boiler and washing machine. The children were ready to go to school thanks to the help of Interlink Resources, Inc.”

“Interlink Resources, Inc supports talented and gifted (imaginative) children. They have helped them go to festivals, competitions, and contests.”

“We express our gratitude to all employees for the printing of this book. We are thankful for Interlink Resources, Inc.”

Teenage Girls and Limosuines

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern




There are 10 girls in the older girls group at Saramoldeava orphanage. Usually for women’s day they go to a movie or bowl and then have dinner. This year Sara came up with the great idea to take the girls on a limo ride! Limos are popular here for weddings when the entire party of young people will drive crazily about town, blowing their horns, stopping to take pictures, and making quite a ruckus. In requesting permission the caretakers and directors were supportive some saying that even they had not been in a limo before. Here are some pictures from the girls time, evidence of the fantastic day they had and just how special we were able to help them feel!

Women's Day in Two Acts

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

Act One. Location: Ulan orphanage.Cast: Female staff
With food, music, games, and dancing, the Ulan orphanage staff celebrated Women’s Day. Interlink Director, Beth Turnock, attended to give a small speech of encouragement to the women and hand out gift certificates to thank them for their service to the children. Beth said she certainly had fun participating in singing games and other competitions!

Act Two. Location: Ulan orphanage. Cast: The children
The children had a party of their own that Interlink was not able to attend. Instead, Ember, Kiizhan, and Moldir were able to go room to room delivering words of encouragement and small gifts (nail polish) to each girl. In the smallest group we also gave out Kinder eggs which are chocolate eggs enclosing a toy. The children were happy to celebrate and thankful to have been remembered by their American friends.

What Exactly Does Interlink Do? - Youth Impact

Posted by Beth Turnock, Interim Director

It's the young child's face you see when you first enter the orphanage that captures your heart.  The child's face often reflects uncertainty and caution as he or she inwardly evaluates whether or not you too will be one of those people who offer a glimmer of hope which later ends in disappointment.  Those coming on short-term delegations, sponsors and our staff in-country often wonder what kind of future these kids will have.  How do you transition from an institution where you live in family groups and where your basic needs are, for the most part, adequately met to being on your own having to make life decisions?  I think back to when I graduated from High School and went on to a small private university.  Even with my parents offering advice, helping me with finances and guiding me through the maze of life decisions, I still found it to be frightening and intimidating.  At least I knew that if I failed, I had a home to return to.  Graduation day for these kids is often filled with anxiety and fear for when they step off the orphanage grounds for the last time they know that they are pretty much on their own. 
 
Each year we see at least 75 kids between ages of 15 and 18 graduate from local orphanages.  Usually the 15-years-old have completed 9th grade and go on to a trade school where room and board is provided.  Older kids if they are fortunate enough to have good grades may be awarded a scholarship to attend a university.  Others may find themselves out on the street, turning to whoever might give them a place to sleep.  These are the forgotten kids, the ones most likely to turn to drugs, alcohol, stealing or prostitution.  Gone is the look of caution or curiosity and often the faces look empty, hardened by the years of disappointments. 
 
This last year we felt that something needed to be done to make a difference in the lives of these kids and so a team of us got together and the Youth Impact program was born.  Geared towards meeting the needs of these kids, the curriculum covers important life skills like setting goals, overcoming obstacles, dealing with feelings, health & nutrition, managing money, having a family, morals and spirituality.  Those completing the life skills portion will go on to employment training and gain some practical experience at local businesses.  Our long-term goal is to have several apartments where kids can practice these skills under the guidance of a mentor.  The success of this program will be because of the caring staff working with these young people and the donations made by generous supporters whose lives have been touched by these youth who will no longer be forgotten. 

Bearing Fruit For Women's Day

Over the next few days, there will be some posts describing what we did to celebrate International Women's Day (March 8th) at the orphanages. This is a big holiday in Kazakhstan during which all girls and women are honored.

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

Our van was full of the smell of fresh apples and oranges on our most recent trip to Savva orphanage. In response to the children’s need and in celebration of Women’s Day we gave an apple and an orange to each child. Fruit is expensive to purchase in the winter and often the orphanage children have diets that are starch overloaded with some meat and dairy. In some rooms the fruit was devoured before we even left! It was such a joy to be a part of giving something that was not only wanted, but so good for the children. For Women’s Day we wanted to communicate to each girl how special she was, that we were proud of her, and had hope for her future success. The older girls were given a nail polish of their choice and the little girls received combs and hair bows. This was the beginning of our Women’s Day celebrations here in Kazakhstan.

The People Behind Interlink - Bethany

Posted by Bethany Planton, Kids Connection Administrator

I am a college student at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Muncie is also where my family lives now, but we are originally from Ohio. I am a buckeye through and through! My immediate family consists of my parents and my eight year old sister. At Ball State, I getting my major in interpersonal communication and a minor in hospitality. I am enjoying both very much.

I am the Kids Connection Administrator Stateside. Basically, I take care of all the details having to do with Kids Connection here in the States. Sara Coggins and I work very closely together to make sure all the kids in the orphanages that we go to know that we care about them. After Sara finds out that there is a new child in one of the orphanages, then it is my job to make sure that child gets a sponsor who can build a relationship with that child.

What Exactly Does Interlink Do? - Kids Connection

Posted By Bethany Planton, Kids Connection Administrator

Kids Connection is the child sponsorship program of Interlink Resources. It seeks to improve the overall welfare of the orphans and often forgotten children of Kazakhstan. Each child is sponsored by someone in the states. They send a quarterly payment that goes to benefit the whole orphanage that the child is at. We have been able to celebrate each child's birthday. At Ulan orphanage, we were able to purchase a new sound system for the orphanage. For Savva orphanage, we were able to repair their heating system. At Saramoldaeva orphanage, we have been able to purchase computers for each of our groups. At Vanofka orphanage, we helped provide supplies for a work crew that came from the states to turn their second floor into bedrooms for two new children. At Rakhym orphanage, we completely remolded the kitchen. All of these things are possible because of the sponsors. Currently we have all the children at Savva orphanage sponsored, but are looking for about 80 more sponsors for children at Ulan orphanage.

The People Behind Interlink - Asel

Posted by Asel Orumbayeva, Receptionist

I am the receptionist at the Taraz office, but I like to call my position the Telephone Call Manager. I began working for Interlink in September of 2007. Although my position is not high, I feel that it is important. I answer ALL our calls and welcome ALL our visitors into the office. I like my job. It is very interesting to communicate with foreigners. As a result, I look forward to delegations. Communicating with Americans is like reading an interesting book in which I can find something new every day.

Life Skills Course Finishes Up

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager



Last week was the final class of our Life Skills portion of Youth Impact. We had 22 participants in this first group. Youth learned many things that are important to their everyday lives including: budgeting, goal setting, and first aid training. Of the 22 youth that participated, 13 completed the program successfully in order to move on to the second portion of the Youth Impact Curriculum. At the end of March, those 13 youth will begin Employment Training courses. Those that did not complete the course successfully, will have another chance to complete it starting in September. The picture above is of the youth that participated and study at the Polytechnic Institute here in Taraz.