Summer Pastoral Schools "Pastoralist-Pastoralist"
Within the framework of projects on Kyrgyz traditional knowledge, the RDF team worked on a number of interesting and exciting events - field research was carried out, a huge amount and content of materials were collected, two (northern and southern) exhibitions of traditional knowledge were organized and conducted with the participation of local and foreign pastoralists, and also held summer pastoral schools.
Summer pastoral schools "Pastoralist-Pastoralist" became one of the important and significant stages of the project. Within the framework of the project, four pastoral schools were organized and conducted: the school of traditional yak breeding was held at the Solton Sary jailoo, Naryn region, and the school of traditional animal treatment at the Kilemche jailoo, Jumgal region.
The school of traditional life and the culture of the Kyrgyz was organized in the Kok-Oyrok pasture of the Kemin district, and the school of the secrets of raising pacers and horses - at the Tastar-Ata pasture of the Ton district. These areas were chosen due to the fact that it was there that the most used ancient knowledge was preserved, and this fact is important in the practical implementation of school classes.
The length of each pastoral school was 5 days, during which all events were held under the guidance of the RDF experts. We carefully prepared for each school and made every effort to carry out the planned events at the proper level. More than 40 students and teachers of agricultural lyceums, future livestock farmers, who will need the knowledge gained and will be useful in their practical activities, took part in pastoral schools. The pastoral schools also brought together about 10 teachers and tradespeople from vocational schools and colleges, who explored the possibilities of using traditional knowledge in curricula to train livestock farmers, farmer entrepreneurs, and other agricultural specialities.
"To conduct training in pasture - it was a great idea that visit the organizers of the school! To study in the fresh air, to be away from the city and its bustle, and most importantly to apply theory in practice - I have never before gotten such pleasure from studying! I hope I can still take part in the pastoral school classes! And I advise everyone not to miss the opportunity to attend such training on occasion", - Isradin, a student of Naryn Agricultural College
12 curators acted as trainers in the classroom and practitioners of traditional knowledge and the skills of the nomadic life of the Kyrgyz. It should be noted that all trainers underwent preliminary training to conduct the training, and each of them developed and prepared in advance a methodology, training module and training materials.
Each of the pastoral schools consisted of two parts: a theoretical part, during which the listeners were provided with information "in theory", and a practical part, during which the participants "in practice" used their knowledge and skills. For example, in practical classes, the school participants had the opportunity to visit remote pastures, use and try methods of treating animals, collect medicinal herbs, cook nomad food, play pasture games, assemble and disassemble a yurt on their own, learn the secrets of taming and caring for yaks and horses. and much more.
Based on the results of pastoral schools, the methodology for conducting a pastoral school in a pasture environment was finalized. RDF experts have developed 4 training modules, as well as tested innovative methods of conducting training seminars in pasture. In the teaching materials of pastoral schools, research materials were used in the Osh, Batken, Talas, Issyk-Kul, Chui, Naryn and Jalalabat regions of the country. Also, it should be noted that the structure of the training seminars included materials and interesting findings that were obtained during trips to the ethnic Kyrgyz communities in China and Turkey.
“For me, participating in the traditional animal treatment school was the most significant event in my life. I found myself, my calling. Now I know exactly what I want to do in my professional life - I want to become a true expert in the field of animal husbandry. This, it turns out, is not only very necessary but also incredibly interesting. And I also met many interesting personalities from whom I learned a lot and now we are friends!", Saltanat, a student of Kyrgyz agrarian academies.