The Goodbyes Part 3: Ecik and the Swearing In Ceremony

“I…do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the United States Peace Corps on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

-Oath taken by Peace Corps trainees during the Swearing in Ceremony*

I’ve already said my goodbyes to my friends in Karabulak and Taldykorgan as well as to my fellow Kaz-20 volunteers who have already left Kazakhstan. The last part of my goodbyes was to my friends in Ecik such as my co-workers at Local Community Foundation (LCF), and the Youth Development trainees (who were sworn in as volunteers on Saturday).

The goodbyes at the LCF were hard because my director and counterpart were bummed out and I was in a bad mood. We submitted an application to Peace Corps to have a Youth Development volunteer (my replacement), but we were denied. The LCF is one of the most legit organizations I have ever seen in Kazakhstan, and would have benefited greatly from a new volunteer. Over the past year, we have been promoting youth development initiatives and projects in our region, and we did some really great things like coordinating a youth bank (teaching kids how to write grant proposals for self initiated projects) and organizing a summer camp on youth leadership. We also had summer internships that we offered to kids and created a base of volunteers to promote philanthropy during the holidays. And don’t get me started about the plans that they have for the future: starting a job shadow program to get kids exposed and interested in different vocations and jobs, in which they already won a 7,000 dollar grant (with minimal help from me).

On their own, the LCF is awesome. With a Youth Development volunteer aiding and augmenting their project ideas; they could be beyond amazing. However, when it comes to Youth Development and NGOs in Kazakhstan, there are always more organizations than available volunteers. Someone is bound to lose out. Even so, the fact that I won’t be replaced hurts, and I’m still a bit sore about it. Although we were all sad, we went out to lunch, and they gave me lots of Kazakhstan chocolate (about 5 pounds worth), and a picture book of plants and nature that is special to Kazakhstan, and lots of well wishes and advice. I’m going to miss them terribly, and will stay in touch with them through Skype and email. After that, I moved out my apartment, and left Ecik for Almaty.

How I'll remember Ecik: A dusty town, but in a very pretty location. Pictures by Jenni J.

The next day was the swearing in ceremony for the Kaz-22 group. The ceremony was about an hour long and involved speeches from the US Ambassador to Kazakhstan and a representative from the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan. I always enjoy the speech from the Ministry because they usually pass along praise from organizations and schools whom have worked with a Peace Corps Volunteer. Although they are gone, the Kaz-20 teachers were praised heavily in the speech for the work they did in Kazakhstani schools and colleges during their two years. My favorite bit of praise was about a friend of mine who lived near Kyzlorda who was called “A teacher from God” by her principal. I wish I was that awesome.

Speaking of awesome people, I’d like to congratulate the newest volunteers in Kazakhstan, the Kaz 22’s, and especially the 8 Youth Development volunteers from Issyk. They are a great bunch, and I enjoyed working with them. I feel like they have the right qualities to be great volunteers: they are confident in themselves and their skills, but not cocky. They are optimistic about their upcoming 2 year service, but are realistic about what they can do. They are willing to work hard, but can also let loose and relax. They are dedicated, but not crazy. Well, not that crazy; they do tend to bust out in laughter for seemingly no reason at all. Because they have those qualities (even the laughing bit), I think they’ll be great and very successful as they begin to work with kids and youth organizations across Kazakhstan. I wish them well.

I do believe that if they keep working hard at it their Russian language skills will be better than mine.

After the ceremony they were shoved onto trains, taxis, and marshukas (vans) to travel to their sites all over Kazakhstan where they will begin their 2 year service. After that, there were more goodbyes: With my sitemate (whom I forgot to show this web based show. I think she’ll find it hilarious), and Kaz 21’s from close to Zharkent and Taldykorgan respectively. Then I ate some great Indian food, said some more goodbyes to the last pair of YD volunteers who would leave the next morning, and then slept for about 10 hours.

The YD training team from Ecik. We are so proud of the new volunteers! (and Shymkent!)

All of my goodbyes are done. My role as a trainer for the Kaz 22s is complete. All of my grants are turned in and approved. Tomorrow, I will be officially done with Peace Corps.

*This Oath is also used by anyone in the Armed forces or civil service; practically everyone involved in government except the President.