Kel Chai Ich is an NGO that offers a free summer program for young women from rural Kyrgyzstan (ages 15–23) who want to pursue higher education locally and internationally. Recently our project has been seeded through minor state department and university grants.
In 2017, we finished our first grant project together as young Peace Corps teachers and students. In 2021 we officially created Kel Chai Ich, first as a means to help our former students, now friends and cofounders, achieve their education goals. Now we have celebrated the success of our pilot program and are excited to expand. Our 10 week workshop designed by local youth leaders and experts provides participants the necessary skills, confidence, and networks to pursue their higher education goals. Giving them a space to realize their own wants, dreams, and aspirations outside of those prescribed through cultural and community pressures. We support students with the technical aspects of applications and funding while also addressing personal and cultural challenges that go along with the process.
Participants will gain access to mentorship, university application guidance, scholarship opportunities, and a network of inspiring professionals. They will attend workshops, guest speaker sessions, and have a field trip to Bishkek to visit universities and attend leadership talks. Throughout the program, mentors will help them set goals, apply for scholarships, and navigate any challenges they face on their educational journey, in addition to their summer program in Kerben.
Your support is crucial to help us expand to a second community, compensate local facilitators, support the Kel Chai Ich Team, and grow our partner network for long-term program sustainability.