The Friends of Kyrgyzstan, a non-profit organization started by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV's) to support development in Kyrgyzstan, is working to raise $1,000 by May 25
Friends of Kyrgyzstan announces Last Bell Fund drive
Wednesday, May 4, 2005 1:15 PM CDT
The Friends of Kyrgyzstan, a non-profit organization started by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV's) to support development in Kyrgyzstan, is working to raise $1,000 by May 25. May 25 is traditionally the last day of school in the small mountainous country in Central Asia and is therefore symbolic for the organization that hopes to devote much of its time and resources to improving the quality of life for children in Kyrgyzstan. That is why this fund drive will help us partner with Save the Children to renovate two needy schools in Kyrgyzstan.
The Friends of Kyrgyzstan is a relatively new organization that is currently applying for federal non-profit status and hopes that this fund drive will raise awareness of the organization and move them into the realm of being a donor for projects in Kyrgyzstan. Begaim Eralieva, who works for Save the Children in Kyrgyzstan and is a former Peace Corps Kyrgyzstan staff member, recently contacted the fledgling organization. Begaim approached Friends of Kyrgyzstan out of concern for two schools in desperate need of renovation. One school is in the northern region of Naryn and one is in the southern Kyrgyz city of Kyzyl Kiya. The school in Naryn is in need of major repairs to their gym and meeting rooms, while the school in Kyzyl Kiya is a boarding school in desperate need of adequate bedding and other supplies for the students.
The group intends to use the majority of the money raised to fund this collaboration between Peace Corps Volunteers and Save the Children in Kyrgyzstan. The remainder will be used to create merchandise that can be sold to fund future projects. The organization feels that now is the perfect time to organize a fund drive as awareness of Kyrgyzstan has increased lately with the recent revolution that ousted long time president Askar Akayev. Friends of Kyrgyzstan President, Linda Lee Blaine, stated, "with the recent revolution we felt we have an opportunity to educate Americans about Kyrgyzstan and to help improve the everyday situation of those living in one of the most isolated places on earth."
If you would like to support the Friends of Kyrgyzstan, you can send a check or money order to Friends of Kyrgyzstan, 86 Pinewood Ave., Albany, NY 12208. In addition, you can find more information about the Friends of Kyrgyzstan by visiting their website at www.friendsofkyrgyzstan.org
Feel free to contact us for further information at friendsofkyrgyzstan@yahoo.com
