Perizat Mukashova

Perizat Mukashova is 27 years old and a Step by Step (SbS) program alumna from Kyrgyzstan, where she is works in an investment company. She is an interpreter from Chinese and also does accounting work. Perizat tells us how the SbS program had an impact on her. 

Perizat, how was your SbS school different from others?
During my first four years at school I thought "this is the only possible way to study". I remember that there was an individual approach to us, the children. If, for instance, somebody did not understand something, then a teacher stayed after class and explained more. We also helped each other to learn. We started to learn English language from the first grade, which was pretty rare at that time. I remember we were sitting in groups of 5 to 6 children and learning different subjects at the same time. Our teacher was coordinating us. She was like a friend to us. We were never afraid of her, and felt always as if we were at home in the classroom. The atmosphere was very friendly and we could also play during our classes. Our parents were often involved in the teaching process. The teacher was advising them on how to raise us up so that we felt more free and independent. I definitely felt the difference with my own parents. 

Are you still in touch with your classmates?
Definitely. All of us are still in touch. Just recently we had the 10 years reunion with my classmates. We still support and help each other to solve different issues. We have also established our own tradition: one of our classmates works in the orphanage, and she sometimes gives us a list of what children in the orphanage need. This could be food items, clothes, toys. Then we buy those things and bring it to them. The children usually give a little concert for us, we give them their presents and play with them.

What did you learn the most during the SbS program? 
My main learning was how to work as a team. It helps me a lot in my everyday life, and especially at work. I have also learned to voice my opinion freely. Since early childhood I was taught that I will not be judged and that I can say what I think. Because our teacher was also our friend, we were not afraid to share our thoughts. The program definitely influenced me and my classmates a in a good way. All my classmates are successful, and I am sure that the SbS program helped us in that. 

What would you wish the Step by Step program?
I am very grateful that this program was part of my life. I wish the program prosperity and only grateful alumni.