Introducing Traditional Knowledge to Youth
Within the framework of the project "Revival and dissemination of Kyrgyz traditional knowledge", the authors and implementers of the project carried out great work to attract the attention of young people to the problems of reviving traditional knowledge.
The Youth Component aimed at disseminating information among young people about nomadic animal husbandry, pasture use, nomadic culture and life, as well as studying the practical applicability of traditional knowledge.
Activities included:
1. Involvement of students of universities and colleges in conducting research to identify the custodians of traditional knowledge through participation in the competition "The best pastoralist I know."
2. Participation of young people in the Summer Exhibitions of traditional knowledge and practices, nomadic animal husbandry and Kyrgyz culture obtaining information from the keepers of traditional knowledge about nomadic animal husbandry, their applicability in the present.
3. Participation of the most interested students in the second stage of the study, their internships within the framework of this project.
4. Preparing and conducting presentations by students on the importance of traditional knowledge in educational institutions.
As a result of the work with the Youth RDF achieved:
- Awareness among young people about nomadic animal husbandry, pasture use, nomadic culture and life of the Kyrgyz, understanding the importance of traditional knowledge and its applicability in modern life;
- Engagement of young people in research on traditional knowledge, nomadic livestock and culture;
- Dissemination of traditional knowledge and practices among young livestock breeders and professionals.
Participation of students in the North and South Traditional Knowledge Exhibitions
19 finalists of the competition took part in the North and South Traditional Knowledge Exhibitions. The exhibitions were organized on June 5, 2009 in the Zhashyl-Kol pasture of the Kok-Oyrok ayil okmotu of the Kemin district of the Chui region, and on July 18, 2009 in the gorge; Kok-Zhangak of the Suzak district of the Jalalabad region.
"Events of this kind need to be expanded and carried out in many regions of our country, as this is the best way to draw the attention of young people to forgotten traditions"; - Baizakov Maksat.
Throughout the joint work, students discussed topics of interest to them on traditional knowledge in nomadic animal husbandry and culture, shared their impressions, and also made their proposals and ideas for research in the field of preservation of traditional knowledge. At the end of the program, a round table was organized with the participation of the coordinators of the youth component of the project and students on the importance of traditional knowledge, further cooperation with students and lessons learned.
Upon completion, students were awarded memorable prizes and certificates for active participation in the Exhibition Traditional Knowledge. The program for students consisted of informational and cultural parts. Within the framework of the informational part, students participated in the organization and preparation of the exhibition, presented their materials, and were included in the discussion on the research of the subsequent second stage of the project. The cultural part of the program included participation in national games - "Kurosh", "Ordo", a fashion show by Tatiana Vorotnikova, as well as a trip to the historical and cultural complex "Burana".
"Our ancestors used pastures rationally and treated nature with respect, therefore we, the new generation, must preserve this heritage", - Turganova Samara
"The exhibition program was very diverse, interesting and useful. I met many young people who are interested in traditional knowledge and nomadic animal husbandry. I am very grateful to the RDF staff for the opportunity to participate in the exhibition and obtain the necessary information", - Zhumabekuulu Dastan