Literacy Work in Turkmenistan - 2012
Ken Derby and O. Pirnepesova (Editor)
The government of Turkmenistan (specifically the State Publishing House) invited me to participate in a program designed to improve early childhood education in Turkmenistan by increasing awareness of the importance of children's literature and reading to children. I was in Turkmenistan from September 21-28, 2012. As I did last year, I met with children, educators, authors, and government officials in an effort to increase the amount of children's books published in Turkmenistan. Additionally, I participated in Turkmenistan's 2012 International Book Fair. I briefed various persons about the impact of reading on literacy and what to look for in selecting good children's books.
I wish to thank the combined efforts of President Berdymukhamedov, the government of Turkmenistan, the State Publishing House, and the U.S. Embassy (in Ashgabat) for bringing me to Turkmenistan. It was once again a memorable trip and it was an honor to fill the role of "Literacy Ambassador to Turkmenistan." Once again, Turkmenistan is a beautiful country and the Turkmen people are wonderful. I will never forget their kindness and hospitality . . . and I hope to return for visit number four someday.
One last thought . . . a dream of mine, to collaborate with a Turkmen illustrator and publish a children’s book (in Turkmenistan) in English, Turkmen, and Russian, came true in September of 2012. Sh. Rejebova painted lovely illustrations for Mischief of the Stuffed Animals which was published by the State Publishing House in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
I wish to thank the combined efforts of President Berdymukhamedov, the government of Turkmenistan, the State Publishing House, and the U.S. Embassy (in Ashgabat) for bringing me to Turkmenistan. It was once again a memorable trip and it was an honor to fill the role of "Literacy Ambassador to Turkmenistan." Once again, Turkmenistan is a beautiful country and the Turkmen people are wonderful. I will never forget their kindness and hospitality . . . and I hope to return for visit number four someday.
One last thought . . . a dream of mine, to collaborate with a Turkmen illustrator and publish a children’s book (in Turkmenistan) in English, Turkmen, and Russian, came true in September of 2012. Sh. Rejebova painted lovely illustrations for Mischief of the Stuffed Animals which was published by the State Publishing House in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.