Projet « The Young Enthousiasts »
Traditional dance class (Jyldyz Abdrahmanova)
Komuze class (Taalaikul Marasulova)
Direction: Gulsara Nurmatova, Buchur Ecucationsal Centre
Location: Ak-Ordo et Ak-Orgo, suburbs of Bishkek
Start of the project: 2010
Collaboration: Erayim Aid Trust, UK
The pandemic has changed the situation in Asia, particularly in Kyrgyzstan. Children had to stay home for much of 2021. The teachers of the Jonas project, Jyldyz Abdrahmanova and Taalaikul Marasulova, taught the dance steps and komuze online as much as possible. As families do not always have a computer or mobile phone, distance learning is often not possible.
The Christmas 2020 music calendar, running until 10 January 2021, captured the image of Kyrgyz children performing the dance steps that Jyldyz sent them by phone, in a garage or cramped flat. The joy of the children, however, was evident.
The difficult life of the families is hardly reported. Shortage of basic foods, lack of hygiene, long distances to walk to school (if it was open at all). Many children were sent to live with their grandparents in the mountains.
As travel from Europe could not take place, the link with Erayim Aid Trust faded during this period.
Activities were greatly reduced in 2021, but resumed with renewed enthusiasm in the new year! The Dance Class won a First Prize in the Mairam Shangy Dance Competition (April 2022). It was a great pride after such a long wait. The beautiful costumes, donated by private dance schools, gave the ensemble a very welcome festive setting!
We wish this project all the best!