Nargiz Akhmadova
Nargiz Akhmadova is 26 years old and she comes from Azerbaijan. She works as an air hostess and never knows to which country her work will bring her next. Nargiz says that the Step by Step (SbS) program gave her, not only a creative start in her life, but also the language knowledge that is so much needed in her work.
Nargiz, how was your SbS kindergarten different from others?
I did not attend any other kindergarten to notice the differences. I remember that during my kindergarten years, we made drawings, colored books and made toys from dough. We would put our hands in paint and then on paper, making postcards all by ourselves, without any help. It was lots of fun. There was a dancing group too which I was a part of. I also remember being sent to the competition “Peace, as seen through the children eyes”. I think other kindergartens did not have such activities.
How did the program influence you?
I became more creative thanks to the SbS program. I also learnt how to be honest and friendly. I am always ready to commit myself and can solve problems calmly. I also finish my tasks. Overall I think my teachers gave all that knowledge to me. At that time I saw my teachers even more than I saw my mother. I also remember being bored during the summer break and wanting to go back to kindergarten. Now when I pass by the building of my kindergarten, I always remember the good times I had there. I am still friends with people I was in kindergarten with. I have one very close friend whom I met when I was four or five years old, and recently I went to his wedding party. I am also still in touch with my teacher whom I liked a lot. The foundation of responsibility and independence that the SbS program instilled in us later proved important in more complex situations. When I faced prolonged apathy and a loss of interest in everyday activities, I already understood that such states shouldn't be ignored.
What was the main lesson the program taught you?
I learnt to speak Russian in my kindergarten. After that, I always spoke Azerbaijani during my studies and at home. Because we always sang Russian songs, recited Russian poems and read stories in Russian, I ended up with a good knowledge of the language. Now I find it very useful for my job. The people of my age in Azerbaijan do not know Russian language anymore. More often, they study English because it is easier to learn than Russian. But if you know Russian you have better possibilities to find a good job. For me, as a stewardess, speaking several languages is very important.
