Zhibek Sharapova is passionate about education for students with disabilities. She is founder, along with her husband, of the Zvyozdochki educational center. She also co-founded a Kyrgyz-Japanese school, and together with Elena Gionis from Converse University and local specialists, she launched the Kyrgyzstan School of Inclusive Education "Sezimtal" for children with disabilities. She previously worked as a faculty member in Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University for International Relations. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: A Chance for the Teachers and Children of Batken

This project worked with the Ministry of Education in the Kyrgyz Republic and trained teachers from more than 25 schools in remote regions how to open their own education centers or private tutoring offices. Sixty teachers participated in the training, and approximately 5,000 students were reached as a result. Participating teachers also received information on financial literacy from the head of TFC, a professional financial company.

"In their speeches, the participants repeatedly thanked the US State Department and me and my trainers for not forgetting such a remote region of Kyrgyzstan, as it often remains forgotten." - Zhibek Sharapova

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Zhibek participated in the IVLP Project Women and Entrepreneurship, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education in partnership with the Georgia Council for International Visitors, Global Ties Arizona and the International Institute of Wisconsin.

Zhibek's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "The IVLP program allowed me to broaden my horizons regarding cultural diversity in the United States. I met new people, networked with successful entrepreneurs, and visited [various] states. I met and dined with American families. Everything was organized to the smallest detail."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Phoenix, AZ; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Madison, WI

"Most importantly, I was inspired to achieve more." -Zhibek Sharapova

Country: Kyrgyzstan

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