This month became a true revelation for the volunteers: they managed to forge friendships with students, exchange experiences with educators, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Bishkek and Osh, discovering Kyrgyzstan from its friendly side.
Some volunteers shared their impressions of the month spent in the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan. They talked about how their experience changed their views on teaching and cultural exchange.
Oleg Morozov, who found himself in Kyrgyzstan for the first time, worked at the Valentina Tereshkova Boarding School No. 11 in Osh. He quickly adapted to life in the school and the city, was pleasantly surprised by the language nuances and the beauty of the local nature, as well as the warm welcome from students and teachers.
Veronika Bondarenko also visited Osh for the first time. From the very first moments, she was surrounded by smiles and the attention of children, and the corridor full of kids became a vivid confirmation of the friendly atmosphere.
In an interview with VB.KG, the volunteers shared their impressions of the school and the children.
- What were your first impressions of the school and the students?
Oleg: - The first emotions were exclusively positive. The children are very responsive, always greet you, which is nice. In Russian schools, kids usually make a lot of noise, but here it’s calmer. Here, as in Russia, children are polite, but there is a genuine interest — they ask how you are and what’s new. It was unusual and pleasant.
Veronika: - I have wonderful first impressions of the school and the kids. We were greeted by students lined up in the corridor. Everyone was smiling and genuinely happy to see us. I expected a more strict atmosphere, but found myself in a real hive of energy! The first thing that caught my eye was the huge, curious eyes of the children, who immediately tried to communicate with me. Many of them, although they are learning Russian, have never seen Russian people in real life. During breaks, there was incredible noise and laughter. The children were so happy to see me that they even hugged me. The atmosphere was lively and direct. I immediately realized that I was awaited here.
- How did the teachers greet you?
Oleg: - The teachers also welcomed us warmly. They immediately began to ask about us and our activities. We quickly discussed how we would interact and what topics we would cover. From the very first minutes, it became clear that we were on the same wavelength.
Veronika: - The teachers and administration were incredibly kind to me, almost like family. I was immediately invited to the teachers' lounge, treated to tea and sweets. At first, there was a slight wariness, but it quickly disappeared. My colleagues became real helpers for me: they advised me on how to conduct lessons, and one teacher even started teaching me the basics of their language so that I could communicate with the children. It was very touching.
- Were there any language difficulties?
Oleg: - There were moments when difficulties arose, especially when communicating with a graduate student with whom we were making a plan for activities. He had limited experience communicating in Russian, and with other teachers, he spoke in English, which complicated communication. Fortunately, other teachers helped us. He sometimes tried to speak Russian, although it wasn’t always easy. Overall, the language barrier was present, as many people here communicate in Kyrgyz, but we are gradually overcoming it.
Veronika: - I expected language difficulties, and they were there! However, it became more of a fun challenge than a problem. In my school, the children speak Kyrgyz and Uzbek, which sometimes complicated the work. Many third-graders already understand Russian well, but sometimes they make mistakes in pronunciation. When they didn’t understand, we actively gestured, drew on the board, and involved other children as "translators." Their eyes lit up when they managed to convey their thoughts or understand me. Those moments of mutual assistance were invaluable.
- Were you able to see nature and get out of the city?
Oleg: - Yes, the nature here is amazing. There are mountains everywhere, and I really like that. Even in the city center, there is the Suleiman-Too mountain, which we have already managed to visit. We also went out of town to ride horses — it was an unforgettable experience! My colleagues and I are looking forward to our next trip this weekend to continue exploring the local nature.
Veronika: - The nature of Kyrgyzstan is simply stunning. Before the trip, I read a lot about the local landscapes, but seeing them with my own eyes is completely different. The mountains visible from the windows, the warm sun, and the sky left unforgettable impressions. I got out of the city, visited the Suleiman-Too mountain, enjoying the mountain air during the horseback ride. The grandeur of the mountains makes you feel part of something vast. This will stay with me forever.
- How do you find the people and the atmosphere of the city?
Oleg: - The atmosphere here is very pleasant. People are calm; they don’t look at you with curiosity, which indicates that they are used to newcomers. Overall, people are friendly, sometimes offering help themselves. The city has interesting parks and a large stadium, and the atmosphere is cozy.
Veronika: - The people in Osh and the atmosphere are a completely special story. Everyone is very open and hospitable, genuinely interested in you. They ask about your background, share their stories, and suggest places to visit. They might treat you to fruits and wish you good luck. The atmosphere in the city is very warm and family-like, despite its hustle and bustle. You can feel the value of communication.
- Does this project contribute to the rapprochement of our countries?
Oleg: - Absolutely, yes. The project is aimed at children, and they are our future. By working with schoolchildren, we help them understand that our peoples are similar, that we can be friends and come closer. This is important for children to grow up with the understanding that they can count on the support of the Russian people and vice versa. This brings our peoples closer together.
Veronika: - Certainly, this happens not at the level of politics, but at the level of human hearts. When you don’t just read about a country but live in it and work with its future — the children, drink tea with teachers, laugh at common difficulties, all artificial borders blur. I am no longer just a "citizen of Russia"; I have become part of this school in Osh. I hope that through me, the children saw that a representative of another culture is not something distant and foreign, but the same person who can become a friend. This is true rapprochement.
- What impressions will you take home? What will remain in your memory?
Oleg: - Of course, I will take impressions of the school with me. It is unique, with its own atmosphere and culture. The children are interesting; they listen attentively and are curious about everything I tell them.
The city will also be memorable: its architecture, small houses, sometimes high-rise buildings, but mostly low houses. The parks, the atmosphere, and the nature. It is especially impressive that in the city center there is a large mountain, and all of Osh is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. When they appear from behind the fog, it is simply breathtaking.
Veronika: - I will take a suitcase full of impressions with me. The smiles and hugs of the children, the taste of freshly baked flatbread and pilaf, the mountain air, and the invaluable gifts from the children — drawings and notes saying "We love you" — will forever remain in my memory. But the main thing is the feeling that I was needed and understood. I feel immense gratitude for this experience that changed me.
In conclusion of the conversation, the volunteers noted that their work in Osh became easier thanks to the support of the Russian House. The staff of the Russian House helped establish connections with school directors, accompanied them at the beginning of the practice, and provided the necessary organizational assistance. Thanks to this support, the volunteers quickly adapted, felt confident, and were able to focus on working with children and educators. They expressed sincere gratitude to the Russian House for the warm welcome and constant support throughout the entire practice.
