Students Enthusiastic to Volunteer

Volunteering Not a "Mandatory" Activity
The freedom Tajikistan gained with the fall of the USSR in 1991 is still not fully appreciated by many here in Dushanbe. Since our arrival last week we have learned it is important to help young people understand that volunteering to help improve the zoo, their zoo, is not a mandatory activity. While many welcome becoming involved, others do not understand why they must be in order for things to improve. This applies to many things in Tajik life.

For many the term "volunteer" has been applied to picking cotton, an activity mandated here. Schools shut down and all students are expected to help harvest. Slowly, however, we are making progress and redefining "volunteer". We aim to help students understand the Dushanbe Zoo is "their" zoo. If they choose to help improve conditions they will be creating a wonderful place for families to gather. learn, and enjoy. Many years ago, before the end of Soviet rule, the Dushanbe Zoo was called the second best zoo in the USSR. A seven-year civil war, however, took a horrible toll with elephants and many other animals shot and killed. A lot of damage was done to buildings and surroundings. The Tajiks now need to learn that to regain a reputation for high quality will take a lot of work. As one teacher at School #21 put it, "if not you, who? If not now, when?" So far students have been enthusiastic and the new playground and animal habitat improvements are underway. We hope the trend continues!

The U.S. team has enjoyed a variety of cultural experiences during this visit, not the least of which as been being welcomed into Tajik homes. We are all grateful for the warm hospitality of our hosts.

As soon as possible we will post photographs. The language barrier has made it virtually impossible to venture out "alone" to find an internet cafe or spend quality time updating the blog. We regret this and hope soon we can focus on it.

In the meantime, we have met with the Deputy Mayor of Dushanbe, officials at the U.S. Embassy, and today will meet the Minister of Education. With only a few days left there is much work ahead. With these new contacts we hope to keep communications flowing and the work underway for a very long time to come.