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Nicholas Martin
Country of Service
Kyrgyzstan
Dates Served
2005 - 2007
Volunteer Position
TEFL

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Description of main volunteer activities:

As an English Language instructor in the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan, my primary assignment was teaching students in grades 5 through 11 at the local secondary school. In addition to classes, I conducted informal English clubs and discussion groups with my students.

My secondary assignment was to assess local community needs and come up with sustainable ways to address those needs. As an English teacher I was acutely aware of the lack of English language teaching material within the school and community at large. To address this issue, I arranged for multiple shipments of books to both the school and local computer center. In addition, my local counterpart and I wrote a grant to created an English language resource center at the school by renovating a classroom and purchasing new teaching material.

How Peace Corps service influenced decision to go into nursing and future plans:

While teaching English in Kyrgyzstan I learned two things. The first was that I really enjoy working with and helping people. The second was that before people can work, go to school, or take care of their families, they need to be healthy. I realized that providing health services to the residents of my village would be the most direct way to improve the quality of their lives. It was an inspiring realization that can be applied to any village or city in the world and has lead me to where I am today.

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Nicholas Martin