Trust Advisor John Newbigin launches 2010 Fellowship Programme in Kyrgyzstan
28th September – 02 October 2009
During a promotional visit to two Kyrgyz cities – Bishkek and Osh – Trust Advisor John Newbigin conducted numerous interviews and presentations about the work of the Trust and met with a large number of John Smith Fellows in order to spread the word about the 2010 Fellowship Programme.
L – R John Newbigin, Bahadir Ustaoglu who accompanied John, and Boumairam Ismailova
One of the highlights of the visit was the trip to Osh organized by 2009 Fellow Nazira Satyvaldiyeva. Located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country, Osh is the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. A meeting for potential applicants was held at the main library hosted by Ms. Boumairam Ismailova, the Director of the Osh Educational Advice Center. Ms Ismailova was pleased to hear about the Programme and will further promote the Trust’s work during an upcoming Education Fair. In addition, John was interviewed by a local newspaper and radio station that reach out to young audiences.
The presentation at Osh was attended by over 30 potential applicants
Further promotion of the Trust’s work was conducted in Bishkek. John held interviews with BBC Bishkek and Vicherni Bishkek. This was followed by a successful press conference attended by over 40 potential applicants and many journalists. John answered numerous questions about the Fellowship Programme and the opportunities that the JSMT has to offer. John Smith Fellows Kylych Kubatbekov and Gulfiya Abdullaeva both spoke to the audience about their own experiences.
Kylych, who took part in the Programme in 2008, is hoping to contribute to reform of the penal system in the Osh, Jalalabat and Batken provinces of Kyrgyzstan following his experience in the UK visiting organisations such as the Prison Reform Trust and Edinburgh Prison. It was made clear during all interviews and press conferences that key to the Fellowship is that Fellows return to their country to further contribute to its development.
Kylych talks about his experience in the UK
The successful visit was concluded with an enjoyable dinner attended by Fellows Gulfia Abdullaeva, Guldjan Aldasheva, Mirlan Djunushev, Baktygoul Koubanytchbekova, Gulnaz Baiturova, Dmitri Samokhvalov, Kylych Kubatbekov and Tolkunbek Abdygulov.
The Trust would like to say thank you to Lena Milosevic (British Council), Boumairam Ismailova, Nazira Satyvaldiyeva, Kylych Kubatbekov, Gulfiya Abdullaeva, and Tolkunbek Abdygulov for all their assistance.