Reflections from Abby

Posted by Abby Naunheimer, Delegate

My time in Kazakhstan was a great reminder of how much need there is around the world. We, as a culture, more often recognize the physical needs, but there were countless times where my team was simply called to converse or play with the local adults and children. We were needed to be listening ears and loving arms for those who do not readily get attention. I can quickly forget how difficult it is to live in other regions of the world. It was so good to be in Kazakhstan and truly experience what life can be like in central Asia. It made me proud to know people who have lived or traveled there before me.

My experience was enhanced by a local family who allowed my husband and I to stay in their home; where they cooked meals for us, taught us bits of language and culture, and simply befriended us. They gave us a window into the life of a loving family.

Orphanage graduates going to colleges this year

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

Usually very few orphans receive full scholarships to study in colleges. One of the main reasons is that their educational levels are low; however, this year Interlink's Youth Impact program put a special emphasis on preparing orphans for national tests and teaching how to fill out applications and write essays.

Last year out of 95 orphanage graduates only 9 got accepted to colleges/universities. This year it is three times as many - 27 students will go to colleges with fully covered tuition and monthly stipend.

Most of the grants have been provided by the government but 9 of them have been granted by two private foundations in Almaty started by local businessmen and foreign embassies in Kazakhstan that give 100 scholarships to orphans and youth from low-income families in Kazakhstan.

The youth in the photo below working on their essays all got accepted to colleges/universities thanks to those foundations. Now they are required to keep their grades high and participate in volunteer activities for the good of the society. Their volunteer activities may include social service projects at NGOs like teaching children, helping at orphanages, or cleaning of local parks.