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.

What Exactly Does Interlink Do? - Business

Posted by Beth Turnock, Interim Director

Over the years the business department has evolved into what it is today. Early on the business department provided training to local people on how to start a business using ethical business principles. Economically Kazakhstan is growing quickly and there are many new business opportunities for local people and foreign investors. One of the challenges we face is to promote a more ethical business model since there is often a thread of corruption that weaves itself through most all business ventures. As we hear the president's commitment to curtail the corruption it is our hope that we will see positive changes in this area.

Some of our business initiatives with a lasting impact include assisting with the start-up of the Interlingua English School and a woodworking shop at a local orphanage. This woodworking shop has allowed the youth to learn a valuable skill, they are able to make furniture for their orphanage and contract for other jobs for schools and orphanages. More recently the business department has shifted focus on supporting the work of the Youth Impact program. We are in the process of developing curriculum for youth on how to start their own businesses and completing curriculum on employment skills. In addition to this we are looking at starting a for-profit business here in order to provide employment training for youth as well as make a profit which can go back into supporting our overall work. We are excited to see how the business
department will grow in the next few years and give back to the community.