The People Behind Interlink - Olya Cherevko

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager.

I work at Interlink as the Youth Impact Manager. However, I stared with Interlink as a receptionist in 2002 after finishing college with an undergraduate degree in English/Russian Translation. I always wanted to be a translator and from time to time I was asked to translate for orphanage delegations.

Soon I realized that translating at an orphanage is not like translating anywhere else. Seeing the children’s hopeless but smiling faces made me realize how deprived these children are of love, parents, and family. And I had all of that but these children didn't and that made me appreciate what I had even more. I enjoyed spending time with children and it was the older kids that I had a stronger connection with. I was especially touched by a story of one of the girls from Ulan orphanage who told me that she had no idea what would happen to her after she left the orphanage. I wanted to help her but did not know how and this is what was in my heart even after the delegation left. I could not help but think about the graduates.

I knew that I needed professional training to be able to help these graduates. In Kazakhstan there was no program that could give me that training. I found out about social work programs in the United States and knew it would be ideal training for my work with youth. I applied in 2004 and received a full scholarship to study at Columbia University in New York City and obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work specializing in youth.

After two years, I returned back to Taraz and re-joined Interlink and started the Youth Impact program. This program teaches youth that have graduated from orphanages basic life and employment skills. It is such a joy to work with youth and invest in their lives and see them learning and maturing with each day.

The People Behind Interlink - Kiikzhan Moldakhanov

Posted by Kiikzhan Moldakhanov, Kids Connection Coordinator

I am the Kids Connection Coordinator. I like my vocation. It's interesting spending time and being with the children, especially celebrating their birthdays and other big parties. They are always waiting for us.

I met my first delegation from the USA. They are so wonderful and cheerful. They liked all the children too. For the first time in my life, I took part in a photo scavenger hunt. It was cool.

I love children and love helping those in need.

Paid Positions In Taraz

Dzhambul (the region Taraz is located in) is looking for native English speakers to teach English in schools in Taraz. They have money from the government to pay the following:

1. $ 200 for visa
2. $ 1400 for the plane ticket
3. $ 750 for shipping of baggage
4. $ 1000 for medical insurance
5. $ 2200 monthly salary
6. $ 700 for living per month

The job is from Sept. to June, starting in the fall. Contact Sara Coggins for more information.

Power Point Seminar

Published by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I had the opportunity to teach a seminar on using Power Point in the classroom to English teachers here in Taraz. There were 29 teachers in attendance. The seminar was organized by TATE (Taraz Association of Teachers of English). Half of the teachers in attendance had never used Power Point before. Teachers in Kazakhstan are being encouraged to use technology as much as possible in their classrooms. Many of them have access to rooms where a projector is set up for presentations. Although they have access to these facilities, many of the teachers have not been trained on how to actually create presentations.

On Wednesday, I showed them the basics of using Power Point. On Thursday they worked in groups to create a presentation that they could use in their own classes to teach a lesson. On Friday, they presented their presentation to the entire group. I was really impressed by their creativity and use of Power Point. By using each other and asking me questions, they figured out how to do much more than I taught about the basics on Wednesday. It was fun to see their enthusiasm.

On the second day of the seminar, I heard that some of the teachers even went home and practiced what they learned on the first night. The next day in class, they showed their students what they had learned before coming to the second day of the seminar. It was fun to hear that they were already applying what they were learning in the seminar. It was fun to see a group of teachers that really enjoyed being around each other and had a distinct love for learning and sharing what they learn with their students.

The People Behind Interlink - Beth Bilby

Posted by Beth Bilby, Vice President


I have been involved with Interlink since the beginning of the organization and have traveled to Kazakhstan many times since 1994. One of my greatest joys is to be a wife to my husband Terry and a mother and grandmother to our children and grandchildren.

My primary responsibilities with Interlink include serving on the Board of Directors, coaching our in-country employees, scheduling, planning and sending delegations and work groups to Kazakhstan, and overseeing the intern program.

Working with children has always been one of my passions. I worked with children in the U. S. for many years teaching life skills, values, and morals. Interlink’s work with orphans is particularly meaningful to me. Seeing the difference in the lives of the children through the efforts of Interlink is significant.

We have had the opportunity through the years to share our hearts and resources with the Kazakh people. In return, we have found the Kazakhs to not only be our friends but our family.

I am passionate about coming along side people as they embrace their own purpose and become all they were created to be.

The People Behind Interlink - Barb

Posted by Barb Bullard, Administrative Assistant

I was a teenager and young adult during the Vietnam War. As others spoke of opposition to the war, I very publicly spoke of the need to support our troops and the Vietnamese people. I considered career paths that involved service to others but like many, life just evolved because I had a family and needed a job to help provide housing, food, etc. I was offered employment at a “good” job and worked there for many years. I am grateful for the friends I made, the skills and training I received and the provision for my family that this job allowed. It was in fact a good job.

After retirement, I spent the summer doing all of the things I had dreamed of doing…sleeping, reading, working in the yard, cooking fabulous meals (this is somewhat questionable) and swinging on the porch. This was fun for a few days and then I wanted to do something that was meaningful, had purpose and allowed me to think rather than vegetate. I called the Interlink director and we talked about volunteer opportunities. I started volunteering the next week in the Muncie, IN office.

Now, almost 2 years later, I am again very grateful for the friends I have made and the opportunity to make even a small difference. Learning about Kazakhstan, the people there and getting to know our in country team has been one of the best opportunities I have experienced and I am humbled by the sacrifices the staff and team at Interlink make to serve others.

The Cost of Mail

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

Imagine 10 kids in a room all excited to see you and wanting to know one thing: Did their sponsor write them a letter? What if you only had two letters to give? What if you had none? How would you explain it to them and what would you say to their disappointment?

Letters mean a lot to any child, whether in the US or here in KZ. It’s a special occasion and a little thing to help them realize “I’m special.” The Kids Connection team tries to communicate this message in so many ways to help overcome rejection from family and society. One of the ways that YOU can be a part of this is to write a letter, whether you financially sponsor a child or not. Tell them about you and your family, where you live and what you do. Encourage them to work hard, study hard, and live well with others. It can be one paragraph or one page. I would encourage you, even now, to write a short email with or without a specific child’s name and send it to kidsconnection@interlinkresources.org so it can be translated and given to a child for our next visit.

Saboatnik

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

Kazakhstan has been swept clean, and by more than just its fierce and dusty winds. With the approach of the Kazakh New Year, Nauryz (March 22nd), the people of Kazakhstan had a huge spring cleaning. All around the city the winter trash and wear have been wiped away. Broken branches, trash, and piles of dirt were lifted from ditches and corners and were piled along the street for pick-up. Trees were trimmed (so they remain short and bushy) and then the lower halves were painted white, as is the custom here. They say that you know Kazakhstan could be home if you find the painting of the trees to be beautiful…the American staff here all find it to be so! The name of this cleaning is called Saboatnik.

Here at the office we held our own Saboatnik. The entire staff, including night security, came to clean inside and outside, from top to bottom. Various activities included but are not limited to: Digging out, resettling, and pruning the roses, emptying out the basement which was filled from a year of delegation overflow and storage, cleaning the windows, painting the kitchen, repainting the parking rails and pavement in front of the building, and a redesign of the Kids Connection and Youth Impact offices. KC and YI were located in the basement of the building in rooms with small windows, gray paint, and low ceilings. They are now brightly colored and have children’s artwork and photographs covering the walls. We happily greeted the Kazakh New Year, Nauryz, with a clean face here at Interlink.







Note: Due to the delegation being here and extra posts to keep you updated on their trip, we held off posting this until their departure.

Kazakh 101

Posted by Ember Mumaw, Intern

Learning Kazakh is interesting, to say the least. I think I’m picking it up pretty quickly, but my pronunciation…jaman (bad)! One unusual sounding vowel I can handle, but put two or even three together and I’m lost. Thankfully my teacher is incredibly patient as are all the other Kazakhs that I have met, willing to repeat the same word over and over.

Here are some words to get you started.

Toke taringsha: Please stop (the bus)!!
Kay shurnz: Excuse me
Myen toosoon bemum: I don’t understand!
Kansha: How much?
Yay ka juz: 200 (usually the price of a taxi around town)
Joulk oolyeanan: Not married (a common question)

People also speak Russian here, but in the 17 years Nazarbayev has been president, the country has been slowly moving away from the Russian language and influence. The language of education and business was formerly Russian, but schools are now required to teach Kazakh and business documents should all be in Kazakh. Change is coming slowly, but it is coming.

If you want to learn more Kazakh, check out this website for a free download. If you want to hear more stories of my adaptation to Kazakhstan, check out my blog.

But adapting to Kazakhstan isn’t only about learning the language. It’s about learning the people. It’s understanding that Kazakh’s will say no two or three times before accepting. That means that the first time something is offered, you may not be expected to accept it! Culture is learning that women don’t carry anything, that bus seats are given to older women or mothers with children. It’s understanding that privacy is strange and being with family (even if just watching tv) is vital and expected. I’ve barely touched the surface of all there is to learn!

Ulan Visit

Note: Walter and Janet Varvel have remained for an extra week after the departure of the rest of the delegation. Janet had the opportunity to spend time with us on Thursday visiting the youngest children (3-6 year olds) at Ulan Orphanage.

Posted by Janet Varvel, Delegate

What does a jar of coffee and a room full of small excited children when the Interlink team arrives have in common? They are instant! When Sara walks in, the room becomes alive with smiles of anticipation. Some children run for their shoes, some for the tiny chairs lining the wall, some stand clapping with squeals of delight, but in the next instant they all run for the nearest set of outstretched arms, for the ritual time of hugs all around.

The kids at Ulan orphanage are a little scruffy today. We learn later that the water has not worked for two days, so the shabby clothes are also dirty. The room is spotless, like a classroom after cleaning, but this is the room 12 children hang out in. Tidy must be the main goal in life. At the end of the room the cord to the teapot hangs dangerously near the bedroom door where little cots in neat rows about a hands breath apart fill the room.

As outsiders, we try to fit in as fast as possible but the "team" goes right to work. Very quickly Kiikzhan is out the door with a ball, into the dirt covered play yard. Ember and Sara, also with a ball, form mini teams of one, two, or three. Sharing is a hard concept; it's every man for himself, but Sara is diligent in teaching about taking turns. Koolyash and I are at the bubbles corner and that is a hit for a few minutes.

The runt of the group is little Aida, in her dirty pink sweats. She gets held a lot and likes it. The teacher shows me the picture books of the adoptive family that will whisk away the little blond cutie in just a month. The American home looks like the Taj Mahal to them and they all seem excited about the adoption. Some of these children are mentally challenged, but in life they will all be challenged. They have very different leaderships from the orphanage we visited yesterday and it shows everywhere you look. Like little sparrows, his eye watches me, or for me?

A Loving Hand

Posted by Moldir Kidirbekova, Youth Impact Coordinator

When we visited Savva orphanage in March, we played outside games with the children in the evening. Ember played volleyball with the older girls. Keekzhan played soccer with the older boys. I played with a group of younger kids. We played different games. While playing, I was holding hands with one of the girls. I noticed that she had a wart on her hand. The other children began pushing her back saying that it was nasty and they would not have her in the game. She became embarrassed. I knew that she wanted to play very much. I wanted to ask her why the wart had appeared and take her to the doctor, but then I thought that maybe the doctor was already aware of it. Also, everybody’s attention was focused on her. I decided to continue holding her hand and asked them to continue playing. She felt comfort. As a result, the other kids, without saying anything, joined me. Was my deed right or wrong? I’m not sure. I just know that I didn’t hurt her feelings.

Kids Connection Delegation Video

Posted by Sara Coggins, Kids Connection Manager


Here is a video showing highlights from the delegation's time here in Kazakhstan. They arrived safely in Almaty this morning. While in Almaty, they did some shopping and sight-seeing. They will be flying back to the States early tomorrow morning. Thanks to all of the family members and friends that shared them with us for the last week!

Thoughts from the Delegation

Posted by Ellen Andrusia

Leaving this country is very hard especially because my heart is not going home with me. The children have unknowingly stolen it. One day I hope to express to them how much they have given me. I came to give and even though I gave what i had, I received far more. Thank you Kazakhstan for teaching me the true meaning of giving.


Posted by Janet Varvel

The table was set for royalty. Platers laden with foods, pasta filled with meat, fish, breads, nuts, fruits, chocolates, etc, etc. Were we with the high officials? No, we were eating at the Saramoldaeva Orphanage, hosted by the director, Gulparshin. She is an extraordinary woman. Her orphanage is rated number one in the region because of her dedication and love for the nearly 200 children who call this place home. We walked through room after room of lovely decorated rooms. The walls were covered with artwork that would rival the finest museums. But once again it was the handful of children we encountered that made our hearts so full. The little ones who played in the park with us earlier in the week were exuberant - full of joy - at the sight of their new friends. Once again we lost Ellen, who was on the floor with Vlada, sill in her pretty pink. Marion found her "lost boy" - her first sponsored child. To see them together was a special privilege. He was stoic - but visibly moved. Our own Dasha - so excited to meet me for the first time brought unexpected emotion to me. These kids are now a part of us - forever in our mind. To what end? We may never know, but we are all forever changed by the shadows of their smiles.

The People Behind Interlink - Beth Turnock

Posted by Beth Turnock, Interim Director

As the interim director of IRI's Taraz office, I have one of the most enjoyable jobs in that I get to see our vision carried out through our various departments. Rather than being focused on just one area, I get to support and encourage the work being done in all areas. Mostly, my role is to sign a lot of documents, make sure we stay on track with our initiatives, and serve those working with youth, orphanages and English programs.

Prior to being appointed to this position I filled the role of Business Manager, providing consultation and training to small and medium-sized businesses. I arrived in Kazakhstan in 2003 to work with Interlink and my life has been enriched greatly by my experiences and relationships.

Most who know me would say that I enjoy life and try to make the most of it. I like to encourage others to dream and be the best that they can be. Recently I helped write the Youth Impact Life Skills curriculum and am pursuing some possible for-profit business ventures on behalf of Interlink.

On a more personal note I love the outdoors, am especially fond of horses, enjoy reading, painting and drawing and I am always ready for a good cup of java. Friends and family are important to me and I especially value the time I get to just "hang-out" with those close to me. I want my life to be one where I make a difference wherever God has me.

A Day in the Park

Posted by Janet Varvel, Delegate





The weather was beautiful. Many of the trees in the park were allowed to grow tall and leaf out in long branches. It was set up like a carnival with rides and food vendors. The wide walk ways were clean and swept, and the park was full of little people, tugging on the hands of their caregivers.

We were in groups of about eight, half adults. Our children were kindergarten types, all clean and well dressed, from Saramoldaeva Orphanage. Smiles were everywhere. This was a happy day. As we went from ride to ride, the little ones began to smile at the new adult in their care.

Mine was Korman. Korman was happy and full of energy. We sat in the bumper cars together and I opened his ice cream. Korman was not happy at the helicopter ride, however. He got "stuck" without the steering wheel. He was just an angry passenger. I kept waving at each turn, me on the ground, he high up with quite a pout. Then it happened. I called "Korman" and at last he got a big grin on his face and waved. From then on that was the game - I would shout his name and he would wave and smile. Karina never stopped smiling - except when the bubble bottle was taken from her. Little blond with rosy cheeks.

They all tugged at our hearts and the time to part was wrenching. My favorite picture was big, tall Keith leaving the park holding the hand of one so small. That's the way we are with Dad sometimes, just one happy day in the park together, then he takes our hand and walks us home.