FLEX Alumni Making Waves in their Communities in the Heat of the Summer

While summer is typically a down-time for alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored programs, or a time for international conferences and vacations to sandy beaches, FLEX alumni throughout Eurasia have rolled up their shirtsleeves and taken the opportunity in these long days of summer to make a difference in their communities. From Russia to Kyrgyzstan and everywhere in between, FLEX alumni are eager to develop programs to improve their communities and volunteer their time throughout the year.

On June 29, St. Petersburg, Russia hub alumni Vladlena Kamenskikh ’07, Daniil Knyazev ’08, Maria Mozgovaya ’98, Valeriya Nechayeva ’07, and Alisa Shor ’05 donated blood. As part of the FLEX 15th Anniversary event, United Colors of FLEX, alumni throughout Eurasia have been encouraged to give blood and show personal responsibility for their communities. Outfitted with specially designed event t-shirts, the alumni – many for the first time in their lives – donated blood, the gift of life.

Meanwhile, in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, FLEX City Representative Yekaterina Savgildeyeva ’06 together with Ruslan Yusupov ’08, and recently returned FLEX alumna Olga Ordenartseva ’09, launched the English Club at the American Corner. Alumni together with co-organizer Peace Corps volunteer Perry Tipher hold Thursday afternoon discussions and Saturday evening movie nights for between 30-60 community members. Club members take part in discussions dedicated to upcoming American or international holidays or simply current events. During the meetings, participants play intellectual games, perform skits, and debate with FLEX alumni and visiting PCVs. On Saturday evenings, participants watch movies in English and at times pull out the American football or Frisbee and play. Club co-organizer Yekaterina Savgildeyeva ’06 described the members of the club as “one big family,” always open for new members interested in practicing English and learning more about American culture.

In addition to meeting, chatting, and playing summer sports, many of the English Club members have joined forces with the Society for the Protection of Paralyzed Citizens of Aktobe (SPPCA) and its Volunteer Club to support the socially vulnerable in their community. Established in 1999, the organization conducts social projects such as empowerment programs, and giving support to physically and mentally disabled members of the community and their families. Through seminars, social events, town meetings, and publications, they are building cooperation. Currently, over 100 community members are part of the program, which assigns them to a disabled child, whom they visit once a week. FLEX volunteers Olga Ordenartseva ’09, Yekaterina Savgildeyeva ’06, and Ruslan Yusupov ’08, have taken their new friends to the movies, parks, and English club events.

Moved to do more to support those who need help in her community, Yekaterina Savgeldeeva ’06 is currently writing grant proposals to hold the Golden Heart Project, designed to inspire disabled youth, give them more accessible activities and opportunities, and break down stereotypes about people with physical and mental disabilities.

In the sweltering heat of the summer or in the snowy perma-freeze of the winter, FLEX alumni are working with local people of all ages to improve their communities. Will you join them?