For the Caledonia Argus
It was Halloween day. At the Houston Nature Center, Irina donned the Alice the Owl costume so she could hand out candy for trick or treating children. For Irina, this must have been a first. Her “day job” is public relations manager for the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra. Such things happen in the “Open World” program.
Open World is an exchange and partnership program managed by the Open World Leadership Center, an “independent legislative branch agency” associated with the Library of Congress. Created by the federal government in 1999, the program’s stated goal is “bringing the emerging leaders of Eurasia to the United States today.” Over 13,000 individuals from former Soviet states have taken part in Open World, staying with one of the program’s 6,000 plus host families located in 1,700 U.S. host communities.
Five participants, along with their “facilitator,” Irina Sergeyeva, and U.S. citizen and interpreter Alexander Etlin visited Southeast Minnesota during the last week of October. The goal for the group was to learn more about eco-tourism and environmental education and bring their ideas back to Russia.
Inna Yaganova, a youth program director, has worked on ecological education programs for youngsters. She enjoyed the small town nature of southeastern Minnesota. “I really liked the nature of this region. Life here is so peaceful- nicely paced. I don’t feel the pressure of big city life here. It’s nice how people are involved in their community.”
Mariya Zavorikhina also works in the field of environmental education for teens. She enjoyed the Minnesota landscape. “It reminds me of my homeland of Siberia, only here they have more variety of plants.” Mariya also expressed her appreciation of the friendly nature of her hosts. “The people who live here will remain in my heart for a long time,” she said.
Oksana Demenko describes her job as “studying local history, geography and culture with children including tourism, camping skills and safety in nature.” Oksana described Minnesota as “Super, wonderful people, wonderful nature, even the weather has been wonderful. The best of impressions.”
Yevgeniy Li, a piano soloist with the State Philharmonic Hall, Kislovodsk City, does volunteer work with a local group seeking to “integrate folk music with eco-tourism as a strategy to diversify the local economy.” Yevgeniy said this was his first visit to the U.S. “It was my first chance to learn about American nature. I saw a prairie for the first time, also the famous bald eagles. Most of all I was impressed by Americans. I found them open and friendly.”
Tatyana Trubenkova teaches biology and ecology at the secondary school level. She appreciated the beauty of Houston County. “I liked the spaciousness. We don’t have these high hills and deep valleys where I live. I really admire the bluff country and the width of the Mississippi River.”
The group based their activities out of the Houston Nature Center with trips to the Eagle Center in Wabasha and Forestville State Park. They met with River Watch students and ecology clubs, held workshop sessions and were presented with a variety of materials from Project Coordinator Deborah Lutjen of World Services of La Crosse, Inc.
Lutjen was grateful for “the contribution of the host families of this area as well as the environmental professionals that the delegation met. It has inspired our delegates and motivated them regarding their own work in environmental protection and education.”
The delegates were impressed with the hiking and biking trails they saw, and the importance of these to the public. They felt that the need to find comprehensive solutions to problems relating to the environment was a key point. Impressed with the partnering they saw among governmental agencies, private organizations and individuals, the delegates wanted to apply this approach back home in Russia.
As Mariah said “(by) approaching a problem from many different angles, many different services including commercial services, we can find solutions. There’s a business element in American protectionists- you know, the Nature Center has a gift shop.” Inna cited the importance of active involvement from the local community, the “grass roots initiative.” The other delegates agreed.
The delegates also cited the importance of long-distance partnering, such as online education. Through the world wide web, they felt that they could continue working with their American colleagues.
Open World is not a one-way street. Partners from Eurasia share their successes with American counterparts. One example Open World cites is this, “Russian mental health experts who counseled children and families affected by the 2004 Beslan school attack shared experiences and strategies for healing with members of the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pa., who had suffered from the 2006 Nickel Mines school shooting.”
The delegates seemed to enjoy sharing ideas and solutions with people from half a world away. Tatyana said with a smile, “In case somebody’s considering a visit, I’d like to welcome everybody (to Russia).”
As a matter of fact, each of the delegates urged Argus readers to “please come and visit.” Oxana said, “We live under the same sky and the same sun. Although there is quite a distance separating us, please do not be afraid of Russia. The people are very friendly and hospitable.”
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