By Maral Jumadurdyyeva ’12 (Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan, placed by ASSE in Menomonie, WI)
My journey with the FLEX program was a life-changing experience that sparked my passion for community engagement. Living and studying in the United States introduced me to new cultures and ideas and instilled in me a strong desire to give back to my community in Turkmenistan. After returning home, I felt inspired and ready to apply the skills I gained through FLEX to make a meaningful difference.
In 2023, I participated in the Global Village on the Move (GVoM) program, where I deepened my understanding of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This experience motivated me to apply for a GVoM Follow-On Grant to address the lack of awareness about the SDGs in my hometown of Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan. Recognizing that many students in Turkmenabat were unfamiliar with most of the SDGs, I designed Empower360: a series of engaging sessions that would introduce local youth to the SDGs, and inspire them to act towards achieving these goals in our community.
Over six days, we held interactive workshops at the American Corner Turkmenabat, covering all 17 SDGs. These sessions included presentations on sustainable development organizations and activities encouraging participants to think critically about how these goals could be applied to their community. With 20-25 participants per session, we engaged about 160 students in discussions and group projects aimed at turning their knowledge into practical action.
The impact of the project was significant. Before the workshops, most participants only knew about SDG 13, Climate Action. However, after the sessions, 80% reported a comprehensive understanding of all 17 SDGs.
The project also inspired participants to take action in their communities. Some initiated projects aligned with the SDGs, such as local clean-ups. Another participant remarked, “The workshop inspired me to act in my community. I now feel responsible for bringing about positive change.”
Looking ahead, I hope Empower360: SDG will leave a lasting impact on the youth of Turkmenabat and beyond. I plan to follow up with participants through a social media group we created, providing ongoing support and resources as they implement their own projects. Additionally, I aim to organize future workshops that build on the skills taught and expand the project’s reach to other regions. My long-term goal is to create a ripple effect of youth empowerment and sustainable development, where the knowledge gained continues to inspire positive action throughout Turkmenistan.
Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community and for the valuable lessons I learned in leadership, teamwork, and adaptability. This project taught me the importance of tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of each participant and highlighted the power of grassroots initiatives in advancing global goals at the local level.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, for sponsoring the FLEX program, which has had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. I am deeply thankful to American Councils for International Education and Lehigh University’s Iacocca Institute for organizing the Global Village on the Move program, which deepened my knowledge of the SDGs and inspired me to take action. I also want to thank American Councils in Turkmenistan for their ongoing support and the American Corner Turkmenabat for providing the venue for this project.
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the volunteers from the American Corner Turkmenabat and the community members who participated in the sessions. Their enthusiasm and dedication were vital to the success of the project, and their commitment to creating positive change continues to inspire me.
