Kazakhstan embraces its military history. February 23rd was Soviet Army Day, a holiday where respects are given to all men who served militarily under the Soviet Union . About 80% of the men I’ve met in Lesnoye(in or past their late 30s) have served in the Soviet military. These men often proudly share their numerous service stories which have taken place in Belorussia , Siberia, North Russia, Ukraine , and Armenia . In addition to WWII memorials and statues of Lenin which you will encounter in almost every village or town in North Kazakhstan , military respect is also within school walls. For instance, 10th and 11th graders attend two military classes weekly: 1. practical instruction on marching and military demeanor and 2. automobile training (big trucks and busses). Whenever I see any of my students in their camouflage uniforms, it’s due to one of these classes. Being from California , this military pride is very new to me and has provided me with several opportunities to listen to personal service stories which give me deeper insight into Kazakhstani culture.
On Soviet Army Day in Lesnoye, the female teachers treated all the men who worked at the school. Coincidentally, it was -33C on the 23rd so that meant no students. All school staff gathered for a pot luck in school at noon. The women cooked numerous dishes and even presented upbeat, humorous poems for each male staff member. Too bad I could only understand about half of the poem written for me but it was simply great to be included. The male teachers, usually stoic, were mostly smiles on this day. Another interesting and enjoyable holiday in Kazakhstan. Now, only if the snow will melt away.
On Soviet Army Day in Lesnoye, the female teachers treated all the men who worked at the school. Coincidentally, it was -33C on the 23rd so that meant no students. All school staff gathered for a pot luck in school at noon. The women cooked numerous dishes and even presented upbeat, humorous poems for each male staff member. Too bad I could only understand about half of the poem written for me but it was simply great to be included. The male teachers, usually stoic, were mostly smiles on this day. Another interesting and enjoyable holiday in Kazakhstan. Now, only if the snow will melt away.
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