This and That

This week has been quiet. Linda concluded her FLEX preparation class. FLEX is an exchange student program for high school students. The process begins with 2000 or so students taking a test where they must answer 16 questions in 15 minutes. Those that pass that phase are invited to take a second test. Last year of the 2000 first test takers, 600 were invited for the second round. The second test is an English comprehension test. There are 3 essays and a listening comprehension section. Of those 600 last year it was narrowed down 200 and then round three is interviews and group activities. The final number selected 40-45. If selected the student is awarded a round trip to the USA, one school year education, and housing with a host family.
Linda began last spring by inviting a group of FLEX Alumni from Youth Vision, Make A Difference to speak at her school. About 30 students came to listen to charismatic and caring speakers. Linda then invited students who wanted to work to prepare for the FLEX testing to come during the summer to her school, and she would work with them.
During the time between the Youth Vision and her class Linda sought out information and advice from Volunteers who had held FLEX preparation classes. One Volunteer advised that she keep the class limited to only those students who really had a chance to go if selected. Many good students want to study in the United States, but their parents would never permit them to go. Others want to go, but may not be willing to pay the price of hard work and long hours of preparation.
This summer Linda has been helping students with testing, English comprehension, listening skills, and interviewing skills. For 20 sessions Linda would prepare lessons and assignments. One Monday Linda used other Volunteers to serve as mock interviewers. It was a good class, and testing will begin in the fall.

The bad news is that it has rained a lot in the western sections of Azerbaijan causing flooding and a high river. The river is not only high, but dirty. The city would not provide water on Wednesday because it was “too dirty.” I don’t think you wanted to see what “too dirty” meant – I sure didn’t. So, we went without a water source for about 4 days. We conserved and made it fine, but the first water through the pipes left about a 3/8” layer of mud in the tub. The picture above is of a good water day – the rest I will leave to your imagination.

One of the popular children’s activities is the small battery driven cars in the parks. A parent can pay 75 cents and the child can drive around for 30 minutes. A person must be careful walking in the parks to avoid getting “run down” by inexperienced drivers. If the child is too young to drive the parent may operate a remote control.

Teachers have begun going back to the schools in preparation for the beginning of classes on September 15. The students are still enjoying the end of summer.

As the beginning of school approaches Linda will conclude her Working Adult Conversation Club next week. She will be working with the participants to see if they may want to continue in the fall after her schedule is established.

The new group of Trainees will arrive around October 1. Linda and I have offered to host 1-2 in our home for a site visit, and have applied to assist in sessions on Conversation Clubs, Basic Computer Instruction, Working with a Counterpart, and the Education System in Azerbaijan. The Staff is in the planning process and we should know something in a month or so.
We have heard that there will be 62 Trainees – soon to be Volunteers coming to share this experience. At least 1 is a male over the age of 60. He will be welcomed by Bill Colcord and myself, because we older fellows have to stick together.

A quick update, Dorothy Colcord who broke her leg while we were in Georgia had the cast removed today. All seems to be going well in the healing process and she should be ready to resume her many activities when school resumes.

School has not yet begun, and I am beginning to prepare for winter. Returning Volunteers from AZ5 have given us DVDs of television programs, House and Monk, the first seasons. Linda and I have enjoyed them, and realize in the winter little happens at home except working at staying warm. Linda loves Monk, so for her birthday and Christmas presents I have ordered 5 more seasons of Monk. The internet is a wonderful!