Open Communication

Kyrgyz culture is very traditional in many ways, with children expected to submissively accept what their parents say. Open dialogue between generations doesn’t happen frequently. While CDI encourages children and teen-agers to be respectful and obedient toward parents, our seminar for adolescents has a training in open communication between teens and parents. “Aigul” saw particular benefit from this. The seminar gave her both courage and specific tools to speak more openly with her mother. Afterwards, she reported that her attempt was successful. While Aigul knows she can improve in communication with friends and family, she felt encouraged by this step toward greater closeness with her mother.