10/17/2008

Vote for Kyrgyzstan

Now in its fourth year, World Challenge 08 is a global competition, sponsored by BBC World News and Newsweek, aimed at finding projects or small businesses from around the world that have shown enterprise and innovation at a grassroots level. This year, the Yurt Kindergartens of Kyrgyzstan is one of 12 finalists selected from almost 1,000 entrants for the 2008 prize. The winner will receive a grant of US$20,000 to put back into their project/business, and two runners up will each receive US$10,000.

The Yurt-based kindergartens are giving the chance of an education to the children of Kyrgyzstan's herders. The herders of Kyrgyzstan — and their families — spend just under half the year on the 'jailoo' or summer pastures. It's a fun time for the herders' children, but they miss out on a crucial stage in their education.

The Yurt Kindergartens project was set up to take the school to the pupils. Classes are held in 'yurts' — traditional Kyrgyz tents made from animal skins stretched over wooden frames. As the herders move their own yurts from one pasture to the next, the Yurt Kindergartens follow. "It's not so difficult," says project coordinator Burulai Aitikulova. "It is very possible to carry our learning materials — and our classrooms! — on horses and donkeys."

Unlike the old Soviet school system with its standardised Russian curriculum, the Yurt Kindergartens teach the Kyrgyz language and focus on the country's unique and colourful traditions. Studies have shown that children who attend the Kindergartens do more than just keep up with their contemporaries in the towns — they actually learn more than if they'd stayed behind.

To see a 15-second clip about the Yurt Kindergartens and to support them with your vote, go to the World Challenge web site.

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