Inspire the Growth of Kazakhstan's Global Citizens

The vision of Salem Social Village has always centred on developing people. The staff at Salem who carry our values and express them in their work are our 'secret asset', creating the special atmosphere that many notice when they visit Salem for the first time.

Dilya is one of them, a young English teacher who joined the team last year. The story of how she ended up working at Salem may seem a bit unusual, but it's also a good illustration of how we tend to find good people - or how they find us!

Following university, Dilya began working in her uncle's business as an administrator, recording the complex cash flows with suppliers and clients. In theory it was a good job, but as is common here, excessive demands were made of her and there was zero interest in her wellbeing. She quickly felt trapped and unvalued, just another robot in a large machine, and she began to experience depression.

Her older sister had studied English at Salem and had got to know some of the staff. Realising her sister's predicament, and having experienced the very different culture of Salem, she told Dilya to leave her job and get one with us! 

The only problem was that Dilya wasn't trained as a teacher and didn't know very much English, and the only available position at Salem was that of English teacher! However, our staff spoke to her and explained what she would need to do in order to be sufficiently qualified to work with us.

A year later, Dilya returned, having fulfilled all the requirements, including studying on our courses. She was still very eager to work at Salem, and her English was already good enough for her to begin teaching the beginner levels. Recently, she said, 'I feel like I have found my calling here, as a teacher, and everything is now so much more fulfilling now than in my last job.'

As a member of our team, she is certainly fitting right in, not only developing as a person but helping her students develop too. Another 'secret asset' has emerged, to further inspire this country's young people and gradually bring change to the culture around her. 

Links:

• Salem Social Village website