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News Archives 2008

December, 2008

Phantom of the Opera at American Corner.

On December 27, 2008 there was held a Christmas party by Discussion Club members at American Culture Center. Kaleidoscope of heroes from various stories, where the Phantom was a main figure, was presented. The thing was that Phantom didn't know what is Christmas, and why people made so much fuss celebrating the event. Christine introduced Phantom how people celebrate Christmas all over the world and explained it with the help of other students by performing fairy tales, jokes, Christmas games and dancing. Daniel arranged a quiz on Christmas songs and singing. Blake was a real Santa Claus.

There were about thirty participants and guests playing and enjoying themselves. John Sasser, US Peace Corps in Kazakhstan, Director, happened to be at the party. «You have bright and talented students, and this party is wonderful opportunity to strengthen and enhance our collaboration and intercultural relations», he said.

Media-lessons are going on at the ACC

On December 11-12, 2008 there was held 3 media-lessons «Independent Kazakhstan: way forward» devoted to the Independence Day of Kazakhstan at American Culture Center. This time students of 8th and 10th grades were invited to celebrate such an important holiday at ACC. The presentation on the state history and development was shown. The glossary was given and students were questioned on the topic. As feedback a word-game with words «prosperity» and «diversity» was arranged.

Result: 58 children developed their English skills speaking about their native country. They become aware of the ACC services and resource.

On December 4, Aigul Nurpeisova, coordinator of educational center “Bilim Central Asia” visited Ust-Kamenogorsk. Developing the collaboration in providing international programs the ACC carries on its information mission. About 15 school and university students attended meeting to find out more about education programs abroad. “In general, we know about these programs. But the thing is, that here we were given full overview of existing grants and scholarships, and the sites to address to. Such meetings are very important and useful”, said Alexander Kotlov, IV course student-programmer.

Human rights

At all times and in all cultures tolerance and charity were ideals of state administration and man behavior. Now we call these values as human rights. On December 10, Main universal legal document  - declaration of human rights
is 60 years. Special program was prepared in International Resource Center
Information essence of center events is an exhibition, designed in Kazakh, Russian, English, German and French languages. Its main idea is that human rights are expressions of traditions, composing from world base and progress.
The next step of the program was media-conversation “History of human rights” for students of international relations and history faculties. Story disclosed principles and conditions of Universal declaration.
“Human rights and me” was the theme of discussion conducted in American Culture Center and German information room. Speakers were American and German volunteers. We are all people. We all deserve human rights. One can’t exist without another.

November, 2008

International Pie-Party at ACC

Within the International Education Week at American Culture Center there was held the International Pie Party. Our constant users and American and German volunteers celebrated it on November 30, 2008. This event is becoming a traditional one. In warm and cheerful atmosphere the participants got acquainted with Kazakh, Russian, Tatar, American and German dishes and enjoyed them. Participants exchanged with recipes of delicious pies and various stories on different cuisines were told. Everyone found it a beautiful opportunity to learn more about different nations' cultures and traditions and a wonderful way to develop their English .

Using new information technologies is very important in educating young generation.

What is a blog? How to add a commentary? How to use them in English lessons? All answers to these questions EFL teachers could find in a workshop held on November 20. The presentation on blogs was held by the American Culture Center at school #17 for Ust-Kamenogorsk teachers within the International Education Week. Teachers were introduced to sites using blogs for learning English and the ways to use it in a classroom were suggested.(www.englishblog.ru, www.blogger.com. www.livejournal.com)

Result: the participants (40 teachers) got acquainted to another new interactive opportunity in teaching English. They found it as a motivating one but marked first they need to acquire new skills and learn to new information technologies themselves.

Thanksgiving Day at the American Corner

A symbol of Thanksgiving Day, Turkey was on a visit at American Culture Center during last week in November, 2008 . It was at the head of a book exhibition devoted to its holiday.  Thanksgiving history, customs and traditions were presented by colorful Encyclopedia, Celebrate, Holidays Go Round and Round books, Speak out and English magazines.

Result: Over 18 users have become interested in exhibition, mostly university students. They used resources to prepare their lessons and activities.

Within the International Education Week a visit to Beskaragay region was held on November 20, 2008. This time Beskaragay Central library hosted Info-Caravan. ACC stuff prepared a big program for the audience: traveling collection overview, the presentation of the Internet sites for EFL teachers and librarians, the workshop about the USA, conducted by Ann Mary Deignen, PC volunteer. The participants were very grateful for the resource as the resource in their schools is rather poor and there was nothing in the library. And they were excited to meet a real American. Ann Mary told about the state she lives in, her family, and Peace Corps. The teachers were glad to refresh their English talking to Ann Mary. The concluding part of the seminar was for students who study English. They closely got acquainted with American volunteer and watched pictures of her family and US sights.

Result: 37 people visited the seminar. They have learned of new opportunities to use the English collection and the Internet in their classroom, get involved in EFL teachers competition “The Best Lesson Plan about the USA”, and become aware that meeting real American is not a myth.

International Education Week Starts at the ACC

On November 18, 2008 the International Education Week-08 started at American Culture Center. We arranged an ACCELS representative visit to school-lyceum #44. Marzhan Doszhanova, Recruitment assistant, American Councils, Kazakhstan, introduced the audience (high school students of schools ##44, 24, 26 and teachers) to International education programs American Council provides for school students. American University in Bulgaria, The Enterprise Student Fellowship Program and FLEX were under discussion. Participants got detailed and illustrated explanations on programs, asked a lot of questions and showed certain awareness on some issues.

Result: about 250 students have become aware of new international education opportunities as well as of the opportunity to get information and educative resource at American Culture Center.

Mock Elections at American Culture Center

American Culture Center in Ust-Kamenogorsk has organized a number of events on US Presidential Elections. “Mock elections” and discussions have been held at school-gymnazium #10, ACC and Kazakhstan-American Free University. School and University students and ACC users were informed on US election company pecularities and the questions of the President responsibilities in the USA and Kazakhstan were discussed. Blake Reinhold and Casey Meyering, US PCVs, organized a lively talk and answered a lot of questions on election issues. The participants didn’t hide their sympathies to Barack Obama saying they believe he will bring the changes. A lot of them were surprised to found there are another candidates except the main two. The votes divided: Rep-11, Dem-86, Ralph Nader - 7, Chuck Baldwin- 2, Cynthia McKinney – 7, Bob Barr – 5. Barach Obama won the election in Ust-Kamenogorsk two days before November 4, 2008.

November 5 morning the library workers, users and PCVs spent watching hot news on CNN.

October, 2008

American Culture Center to Beskaragay Cenral Regional Library.

In October 9, 2008, the ACC worker, Anara Yerezhepbayeva, visited the Beskaragay Regional Library. She presented the library a collection of US Embassy books. It included editions on US history, government, literature, some fiction books and Forum journals. The collection overview was made for school students, teachers and librarians. The auditory got very interested. «It is a wonderful opportunity for readers to have such resource in our Library. A lot of users, young and adult, ask literature in English language. They want to improve their language skills and increase their professionalism», said Asem Asylhanova, a librarian.

The result: 32 people became informed on novelties from the US Embassy in their library and the ACC services. The ACC was invited to organized Info Caravan to Beskaragai region and it was arranged to November 2008

Discussions at th American Culture Center

Discussion Clubs are going on at the ACC. This year they have taken an active start in September and each Sunday more and more people come. The public age varies from 15 to 39, and they are school and university students and teachers, young specialists in different fields, employees and workers. The number of participants varies from 28 to 62 (about 40 people in average).

Our presenters, US Peace Corps volunteers, successfully face a challenge of keeping the Club's steady development. Casey, Daniel and Blake use the ACC resource and the Internet to suggest interesting topics, and they vary forms and activities to make the meetings interactive. “Explain & Guess”, “Would you rather...”, “Top 10 Countries of the World”, “Plastic Surgery”, “American Education Programs”, “Election Issues” and other discussion topics contribute both into improvement of speaking skills and enhancing intercultural knowledge.

Result: Discussion Club has become the most effective form in advancing the ACC popularity; 30 new users have signed to the Library within two months.

ACC for Oblast Teachers

On October 6, 2008 a new group of city and village teachers (30 people), trainees of oblast Teachers’ Development Institute visited American Culture Center. They have got acquainted with the ACC: its history, resource and services. The ACC staff presented its programs arranged for EFL teachers, consulted on Best Lesson Plan about America project and offered media lessons and individual Internet trainings. The teachers were lucky to meet Cristin Andrea Burge, Ph.D. Candidate, the University of Kansas, USA. She introduced Educational Opportunities for Teachers in the United States, and conducted a workshop on Country Study Multi-level Approach to Teaching followed by interesting and useful activities.

Result: Within the day 30 teachers from different part of the Oblast got acquainted on services and distant help they can get at American Culture Center. The teachers enriched their own methodological collections by the Center materials and benefited on communicating with the US University teacher.

September, 2008

Talk Like a Pirate Day at ACC!

September 19 2008 is A Talk Like a Pirate Day. This American holiday has becoming a traditional one at American Culture Center. This time 5th grade pupils (27 people) from the school «Vostok» celebrated the holiday. A presentation about the history and founders of this holiday was shown and children learned how pirates spoke and sang a pirate song. Then all participants were offered to play a pirate game. Deviding into two teams children created their own pirate flag and hopped from island to island avoiding falling in the water. They were very excited to be pirates, to speak like pirates and to celebrate such an unusual holiday.

Result: Children learned more about special American holidays and were motivated to learn English in interesting and exciting way.

Ust-Kamenogorsk American Corner's Outreach

Another academic year has begun and the American Culture Center starts its annual program on recruiting new users. There were taken visits to Kazakhstan Regional University and East Kazakhstan State University aimed at promoting the ACC resource and services. The University freshmen were shown power point presentation and informed on the opportunities to develop their language skills, to make friends and extend their world outlook. Students asked a lot of questions and got sure to come to the ACC.

However, there are several other meetings to universities are planned and we are to outreach wider audience.

Result: 120 students became aware of the ACC resource and services. Five new users have entered the library already and about 8 people visited discussion club on outreach invitation.

IFLA Conference Participants at American Corner

On September 5, 2008 there was a meeting at the ACC with librarians, participants of the 74th IFLA Conference. Alumni, Kabiba Akzhigitova IV-01, Library Director and Aiman Zhamankulova SUSI-06, Chief ACC (Bibliomondialis: Canadian Partners for Library Bridge-Building grantee), shared their impressions on participating in main librarians forum. The Conference "Libraries without borders: Navigating towards global understanding" this time held place in Quebec, Canada, 10-14 August 2008 and appeared a beautiful chance to meet colleagues from varying parts of the world and got acquainted with a wonderful country as Canada is.

Our colleagues were greatly impressed by the work IFLA does to support libraries and their importance in providing free access to information. They participated in sessions on Leadership skills and advocacy for libraries, and How libraries in Asia and Oceania contribute to global understanding, where a report on Kazakhstani action “One Book-One Country” was presented. A great deal of information was found at the Exhibition Hall, and new ideas on library design and arrangement appeared on visiting Gabrielle Roy Public Library.

Being chosen a new venue for the Conference is like being chosen an Olympic capital. There were very active propaganda of Milan and Brisbane future conferences capitals, and joy tears of Costa Rica representatives chosen for 2011. Happy and proud were Mexican representatives chosen for Bill & Mellinda Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award. “IFLA Conference unites all librarians in their desire to further libraries development and stimulates our innovations and efforts on providing free access to knowledge”- concluded K. Akzhigitova.

Panel discussion with IREX representative and alumni at American Corner

On September 2, 2008 Maira Tuntagarova, the representative of IREX program, and TEA-alumni met at American Culture Center for a training on small grants writing. The opportunity was readily accepted and discussed. Panel discussion for potencial IREX Programs participants was held at library conference hall and further the initiators were invited to school-gymnasium #38. In the whole 3 Alumni and about 45 students participated in th event. UGRAD and MUSKIE have been announced. New Education Exchange Year has taken start.

August. 2008

«Back to School» conference at American Corner

On August 28, 2008 American Culture Centre hosted the City Teacher's Conference «Back to School» (68 participants). Secondary schools EFL Teachers reported on their year progress in teaching English. Such joint projects of the Teachers Methodological Unit and the ACC as Annual Students English Conference, Readers Theatre, Internet courses and others were marked as effective and contributing into teachers' professional development. An exhibition on the ACC novelties was displayed to participants attention and such editions as Teaching English as an International Language, Reading, Writing and Learning in ESL, 50 Strategies for Teaching English Learners and reference editions caused teachers live interest.

After the Conference the Alumni Board hold their meeting on working out «Best Lessons» Project's instructions and guidelines.

Result: EFL teachers and the ACC collaboration successfully goes on and new projects and ideas are to be realized this academic year.

On July 30 till August1st, 2008 United States Embassy in Kazakhstan, Astana hosted Regional American Corners Workshop. That was an international workshop for AC coordinators from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. About 30 participants were including the officials from the US Embassy of these countries. Willam Middleton, IRO(Vienna) and Mary Nell Bryant, IRO(Washington) shared their experience on "Marketing your American Corner", and "Fundraising for AC" and many others. We learned many helpful things to do our work better. I have known more about Web 2.0, it is useful sites not only for ACs but for different libraries, they are Facebook and Library Thing.
Result: It was a good opportunity to meet new people and have futher collaboration with AC Coordinators from neibouring countries. «I was energized with many ideas for my work in AC» said Sholpan Baimurzina, one of the participants. After three days of intensive and productive work we received the Certificates.

P.S. All parts of the program engaged us to work more hardly in own American Corners.

July, 2008

Steady development and Global Warming

On July 10, there was held public lecture at the American Culture Center. This time John Drenbach, professor of Widener University, Pensylvania was an honourable guest of our center. The title of the lecture was «Steady development and Global Warming». John Darnbach studies ecology legislature, international legal norm on preservation of the environment and steady development.

The most part of the lecture was devoted to the USA politics in the sphere of global warming. Professor introduced auditory with specificity of American environmental legislature, short-term ecology programs in the USA. Besides John Dernbach dwelt on summit of big eight and shared his prognosis of ecological course realization.

At the end of the lecture there was lively discussion with auditory concerning ecological problems in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Jazz in ACC!

On Jule 4, American Culture Center has prepared an wonderful gift to its users – meeting with Alexandr Gansalov's jazz-quartet.

«Classic-Jazz Band» is a musical group, founded 2 years ago in East-Kazakhstan Art College. It consists of five people: A. Galsanov, A. Adamov, A. Muzalevsky , P. Kruch. Jazz-quartet has already participated in the International festival of jazz-music «Aktobe-Jazz-2007».

Repertoire of musicians includes famous composition of jazz classic such as G. Marks “All of me”, V. Youmans “Tea for Two”, J. Kern “Smoke Get in Your Eyes”, M. Davis “So what”, D. Gillespie "A Night in Tunisia"… Auditory listened with great pleasure sad and lyric, expressive and rhythmic jazz compositions. Classic mainstream and stylish arrangement of famous compositions, virtuosic performance and good spirit has made this holiday unforgettable!

June, 2008

International Conference Crimea -2008

East Kazakhstan American Corners Association (EKACA) as well as several Kazakhstani American Corners presented themselves at the Fifteenth Jubilee International Conference “Crimea 2008”"Libraries and Information Resources in the Modern World of Science, Culture, Education, and Business". The Conference took place on June 7-15, 2008. The EKACA idea of the event was supported by the Information Consortium of Libraries of Kazakhstan. The Project was worked out and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan supported and sponsered it.

Our session "Centers of Interaction of Cultures: American Corners in Kazakhstan Libraries" http://www.gpntb.ru/win/inter-events/crimea2008/eng/cd/program.html was held in a conference hall for fifty people and we were happy to see it full and more people wishing to visit the event. The main idea of American Corners as

a platform implementing programs aimed for mutual cultural enrichment and the libraries’ professional development has been a prevailing theme in all reports. The audience found Kazakhstani AC activity creative and fruitful.

Result: international public became aware of effective activity of AC of Kazakhstan, new contacts were made with libraries of Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kiev and the Republic Azerbaijan.

May, 2008

The Floor for Baseball

On May 18, 2008 a ground of a regular Discussion Club meeting turned up into a baseball ground. 22 participants discussed Baseball Issues with Dwayne Williams, American retired PT teacher and baseball coach. What is baseball? What are the main games rules? Why do Americans so passionately in love with baseball? How do you think baseball may develop in Kazakhstan? These and other questions were discussed. This is D. Williams’ sixth visit to Kazakhstan; last year the East Kazakhstan Youth Baseball League was founded, at the moment a lot of baseball equipment is on its way to Ust-Kamenogorsk, and the question of allocating a special ground for a baseball field is under consideration with local authorities.  The participants were impressed by the American enthusiast’ initiatives and new volunteers joined to support baseball development in Kazakhstan.

FAREWELL BELL 2008

On Sunday, 18th of May there was organized a Farewell Bell Holiday for the English for Kids year course young learners at American Culture Center. The Holiday began with a lovely presentation about children’s achievements, slides on Teddy Bear Day, Halloween, Christmas and St. Valentine’s Day and other events organized during the year were demonstrated. Young students prepared an exhibition of their achievements in pictures, posters and books on My Home and My Favorite Dish topics and played cognitive English games. They were very proud and happy to get Certificates on successful completing of the course and sure to come next year with new students. Traditionally the holiday ended by a sweet tea party.

Press Club

On May 15, 2008 US PC Volunteer Blake Reinhold started a new Press Club. There were 11 participants on the first meeting. Edwards Endorses Obama in US Race from BBC NEWS was under discussion.  The participants became interested both in the theme and in the form of the Club. For the next meeting it was decided to present newspaper articles that draw their attention during the week.

Effective Partnership

On May 6, 2008 the ACC hosted Melissa Peros, US PCV, and Anara Zhakupova from the Community Foundation for Continuous Education NGO. The Center has made tight partnership relations with the NGO for two years. Our regularly renewed traveling collections of English Course books, fiction and electronic resource work for the Community education purposes. This time Melissa and Anara paid a return visit arranging a class for senior EFL students. 34 Humanitarian College students were involved in interesting discussion in a form of debate club. There were discussed such questions as “Do men take care about themselves as much as women?”, “Should taxes be abolished?” and others. Students have easily taken their parts, were very active, and tried to stand to the point even when their knowledge on the topic was not enough. There were three beneficiaries: the Community representatives of well done job, students of having excellent practice, and the ACC of finding new patrons.

April, 2008

Language is a Mediator of Friendship and Collaboration

On April 29, 2008 there was held the 4th high school students research papers Conference at the East Kazakhstan Pushkin library. The Conference aims at promoting the role of English as a language of international communication. 17 research papers were considered by the jury. 7 of them were chosen for presentation at the conference. The jury consisted of four university teachers, one school teacher and a PC volunteer. Mara Golson, KAFU teacher, the Jury Chair, said: “All of you have done great work. All research papers were good done and we had some troubles to choose the best.” The best research paper announced “PHRASEOLOGICAL EXPRESSIONS IN LITERATURE” made by Valeria Levitanus, 10th grade of school N38. Presentations of three best papers are soon available at http://www.pushkinlibrary.kz/ACC/lessons.htm.
There were 68 school students and 11 teachers from different schools at the conference.

Advancing Collaboration

The East Kazakhstan American Corners Association made one more step in promoting its mission: sharing experiences and developing collaboration between American Corners of Kazakhstan. Kabiba Akzhigitova, President of EKACA, and Aiman Zhamankulova, ACC coordinator visited American Corner in Karaganda Oblast Public Library (http://www.library.karaganda.kz/).  Karaganda is a big city with lots of universities and the American Corner has originated such interesting clubs as YES!-Club (Youth English Section), Women’s English Speaking Club and Discussion Club. Oskemen visitors used the opportunity to learn more of their colleagues work, and contributed by participating in Info-Caravan route to Saran (a provincial town near Karaganda) and round-table discussion with students.
In Saran there was a meeting with local EFL teachers (12 people) on the topic Interdisciplinary Investigation of America, web-presentation on IIP products were demonstrated and some ways on how to use Forum and some other AC resource were suggested. The teachers met the program with great interest and found the information very useful.
In the evening a lively discussion with 16 AC users revealed a lot of similar aims and programs between two Corners as well as different ways on introducing them. A big interest was demonstrated to the ACC site (http://www.pushkinlibrary.kz/ACC/news.htm).
Thus mutual collaboration strengthens American Corners of Kazakhstan.

The Holiday of Children Books

In April International Children Book’s Day is celebrated all over the world. It was celebrated in our library too. Children from 7 till 15 were introduced with the new collection of the children sector. The aim of this action is to encourage reading and promote the love for books for children. There was organized an interesting colorful exhibition. Books of different series as Step into reading, Golden Books, Classic Stories and etc were presented to the attention of the young readers.
“Books are very interesting and bright. Especially I like books about Berenstein Bears. I’ll take and read it at home” - said Asanali, student of the 4th grade.

A New Lecturer

On April 11, 2008 public lecture was organized at the ACC within the joint project with KAFU. We hosted Mr. John Carman, President of Carmon Community Funeral Homes Inc., USA and two his colleagues. His gifts in this area: business consulting with family businesses, successful planning in family businesses, bank real estate financing; excellence in customer service; insurance and loss control programs for small business; business ethics and leadership. Mr. Carman Spoke about How to Find a Successful Job. He told the public howto behalf at the interview correctly, what person should keep in mind, speech during the interview, writing resume. The public (26 people) got interested in the topic, asked questions and got a lot of information

International Certificates

On April 8, 2008 the library conference hall hosted honorable young guests

International certificates from Paint Pals and the Beijing Youth Federation were awarded to 18 school children whose art works were selected to a youth art exhibit for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. Joint project of two organizations aims at promoting friendship, goodwill, peace, and understanding across the world.
In the whole there were received children art works from 60 countries. The exhibit willopen in Beijing on June 1, 2008 which is National Children's Day in China (in Kazakhstan we celebrate the same day). The ACC hold the exhibition in December 2007.The public, youngartists, their teachers and parents (32 people), enjoyed power point presentations arranged ontheir works and their peers from the USA, were happy to receive certificates and prizes (colorful calendars on the USA were presented to teachers on the part of ACC), and a lot of warm words were addressed to Paint Pals and the Beijing Youth Federation for giving this wonderful chance to feel a part of one big friendly world family.

March

Infocaravan Goes Green

Infocaravan broadens its territory and varies its content. This time it reached Vinnoe, which is 20km far from Ust-Kamenogorsk. On, March 15 ACC workers, Discussion Club members and US PC volunteers visited Vinnoe secondary school. This Inforcarafan was a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.  For two hours the school turned green. The event started with presentation. Students were introduced (about 45 children) with history, traditions and symbols of unknown holiday. Presentation of the ACC traveling collection, including fiction, dictionary and books on English learning was introduced. The collection is to work there till summer.  There were held some activities with children: they played games, painted St. Patrick’s symbols and cut shamrocks for themselves.
“It was such a lot of fun. We have known a lot about this holiday. And we are happy to have new English books. We hope, you’ll visit our school again”. – said Anya, student of 8 grade, Vinnoe secondary school.

Info-Caravan Route

Info-Caravan is going on; it was invited to the East Kazakhstan Humanitarian College (Ust-Kamenogorsk) on 14th of March, 2008. Sample editions of the ACC resource on teaching and studying English, fiction, DVDs, books about Kazakhstan were presented to teachers of English and 83 first and second year students. They were informed about opportunities to use the collection in American Culture Center and were introduced to the ACC services and clubs; PPP on useful web-sites for teachers and learners of English and International Language Tests (TOEFL, IELTS) was demonstrated. US PC volunteer Blake Reinhold, a member of the Info-Caravan, acquainted participants with the US Peace Corp’s mission in Kazakhstan, talked about America and his life and answered many questions. There was held a quiz “How you know America” winners were awarded prizes – books of American writers.
Result: students have become aware of the advantages of becoming a user of the ACC and intended to enter the library.

February

Fruitful Collaboration

American Culture Center and Kazakhstan American Free University (KAFU) have been fruitfully collaborating since 2004 on expanding educational and cultural connections between Kazakhstan and the USA.

March 11, 2008 17.00

“Scoring BIG with .NET” was the name of the seminar held in the library by Adam Liechty, KAFU visiting lecturer. A technical seminar for practicing software developers,
and for Computer Science faculty & students, gathered about twenty people of the target auditory. The lecturer dwelt on the newer features of .NET 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5, and his personal experience as a Microsoft Corp. employee. There were a lot of questions on the part of the public and the thing they mentioned particularly such meetings are useful both for professional and friendship development.

March 12, 2008 17.00

A splendid team work was demonstrated by J. Sween and G. Reph, KAFU visiting professors, presenting a lecture Business Ethics: Discovering your Life Center. Jon Sween, a University professor from Seattle and our old friend, acquainted the public with general conceptions of Life Center and seven P-s (Philosophy, Pleasure, Possessions, Place, People, Position, and Physic) to fill a cup of Good Life. Glenn Reph, an Executive Pastor and Businessman, and a very rich man, illustrated the lecture by the pictures from his life on discovering his own life center.
There were 42 people at the lecture and a lot of questions followed, and a lively discussion had place.

March 12, 2008 18.30

Lars Peterson has been working at KAFU for several years arranging Visiting Faculty courses. In few days he leaves to the USA and presented a wonderful gift to our Center. A collection of children books and fiction now will enter into the ACC collection to enjoy our readers, and for us to remind of our big friend. 

February, 2008

ACC for Village Teachers

On February 22, 2008 twenty five teachers, the Oblast Teachers’ Development Institute trainees, participated in 6-hours workshop. Within the “ACC for Village Teachers” Program, there have been held about 6 such seminars. This time the teachers were given a round-up of the ACC resource, got acquainted with its services, they had a methodical seminar and a session on using e-resources. The methodical seminar was run by A. Zhamankulova, Chief ACC, SUSI-06 alumna. She presented English Teaching Forum both in printed and electronic formats. The issues on teaching young learners (#1/05, #2/07), and ideas for project work (#1/07, #3/07) were under discussion.
The e-resource session introduced teachers to the ACC web site and specially arranged collection of sites for EFL teachers’ purposes. At the end they were quizzed on how they know the USA and got English books as presents. “We appreciate so much everything you do for us. We’ve got ideas and materials for several years ahead”, said teachers from the Boroduliha village D. Hasenova and O. Mytzaeva.   

Tea with Erin

“Tea with Erin” is a meeting of EFL teachers arranged on discussing Erin Anderson’s letters. Erin Anderson, a US PC volunteer 2003-05, who worked with EFL teachers of oblast and contributed a lot into ACC activities. On returning to the USA she started writing letters describing her further life and activity. Actually, her letters are well-organized topics on various themes including traveling, American Holidays, and hobbies or thoughts on relationships, different lifestyles and education.
All in all there are 13 letters by now, and during these years it is for the third time when teachers gather to speak about Erin and her letters. Elena Germash and Natalia Patalitzina shared their experience on using letters at their lessons, the ways she trained teachers were recalled, and Kazakh fairy-tales she had translated into English were discussed.
Though Erin is so far now we are happy to feel her close, and do hope to continue this fruitful relationship.

All for Love

There was arranged a big Valentines Party on February 16, 2008 at the ACC. About 30 people, American and German Clubs members, US PCVs and teachers from Germany, told stories, recited poems, danced, and competed, all for love. The main intrigue was to find out the best pair of world famous lovers. Romeo and Juliette, Tristan and Isolde, Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu, Jack and Rose (Titanic), in the whole 9 beautiful love stories, though mostly tragic, came to life with the help of our participants. It is to be mentioned, that most of pairs created happy endings to their stories. There was a lot of English, presentations on St. Valentines Day symbols and history, a lot of fun and a tea-table with lots of sweets and chocolates. And, though the winners were announced Valerii and Nastya for Tolegen and Kyz Zhibek, there were no looses at the party. Above all Love is!

The next step of Info-Caravan is Georgievka (Zharma Region). On 7th of February there was held a workshop in Zharma Central library. This time traveling collection of about 50 books on methods of teaching English, fiction, regional studying were presented to the local teachers and students. There were about 30 participants. They met the opportunity to use this collection for 3-4 months with great enthusiasm. The ACC specialists dwelt on collection items and ways of using them in practice. The information on different exchange programs and ACC services including media-lessons was introduced as well. Winners of a quiz “How you know America” were awarded prizes – fiction books.
A big advantage Georgievka inhabitants have is that this year two US PC volunteers, Kimi Sato and Jessica Urfer have started their work at the village schools. They readily participated at the workshop presenting “English Lesson Activities”, and supported the idea of conducting other programs of the kind on the base of the ACC collection.
“We have been working here for several months. Unfortunately there are no enough English books. This collection will be of great help. And I have already some ideas on using these books at my lessons and here in the library”. – said PC volunteer, Jessica Urfer.
Info – Caravan goes on providing and expanding information support for rural inhabitants.

January, 2008

Martin Luther King: His Liberty, Passion & Life

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: A Historical Perspective was announced a Film of the Month to commemorate one of the most loved, respected and feared leaders in American history. The film was seen by 9 visitors and two groups (27 people). Most of them heard about American hero for the first time. 60 minutes film, where rare and largely unseen film footage and photographs were used, impressed them greatly. “I admire the courage and wisdom of Dr. King, he really deserves to be called a Hero.”, Azamat N., 11th grade student shared his impressions.

Internet Trainings for EFL teachers   

On the base of the ACC Internet Trainings for EFL teachers Program is held. The program includes 4-5 trainings aimed at acquiring and improving Internet skills. School teachers are to explore global searching systems, e-references, e-mail, sites and data bases for EFL teachers. For those more advanced there is an additional class on Web 2.0. Since December two small groups (4-5) college teachers and teachers of school-gymnasium #2, have been learning. Trainings are conducted by certified ACC librarians. Tatyana Bogdanova says on behalf of grateful teachers “These trainings are of great use for us. There’s no such opportunity at schools yet. Although you might not like it, you have to learn it. The time dictates: if I want to succeed in teaching young generation I must be digitally competent”.

Youth Race against Cancer Starts in Oskemen 

A remarkable meeting had place at the ACC on January 16, 2008. Peace Corps volunteers Jay Chen, Blake Reinhold., and Sam Robinson have introduced a project on Race against Cancer to 23 students. Invited to the meeting   Olga Nazyrova, a President of  “Phoenix” NGO on cancer prevention,  described the situation and presented some data on the problem in the region. Particularly, she mentioned organization’s work on fundraising for children. PCVs shared the information on Races/Runs/Walks in the world against cancer and suggested ways how our young people can help and organize their own race. After the meeting Jay Chen said, he thinks it was a successful beginning, for students asked questions, cleared up some points and next meeting they are to practice ideas. The ACC hotly supports the initiative and is to advance it by attracting new participants.  

Teachers on-line

„Blogging for ELT: Is it real?“ was the name of on-line conference held on January 16, 2007. The initiator, Brest IATP Center (Byelorussia), suggested materials and discussion for EFL teachers on blogging as a tool for language learning. On our side a Methodologist of Municipal Education Department K. Muhamadieva and teachers from schools ##23 and 38 T. Sinelnikova and G. Alimhanova participated in the conference. They found the topic up-to-date as blogging is a good tool to motivate students and teachers to present their works and share them in the Net. And yet the possibility to use this way is bound to the lack of technical equipment, access to the Internet and inflexibility of school curriculum. To these points agreed most of the participants.