Kel Chai Ich translates to “Come, Have Tea” in Kyrgyz, createing a space where youth can speak up, share their dreams, and overcome barriers often left unacknowledged.
Kel Chai Ich addressed barriers to higher education for young women in rural Kyrgyzstan through summer programing, one-on-one mentorship, parent workshops, and a field trips, to expose participants to new opportunities.
Where We Started
The idea for Kel Chai Ich was inspired by our personal experiences and the shared experiences of our volunteers, many of whom have successfully navigated the higher education process as young women from Kyrgyzstan.
Making a Difference Together Through Your Kind Contributions
Whether you dream of becoming a mentor to guide the next generation, collaborating with us on impactful projects, supporting through donations or funding, or simply following our journey and sharing our mission, we’d love to connect with you!
Empower Change: Support Our Students Today
Our Impact So Far
Over 50 Students Supported
Student Success
Since 2024 Kel Chai Ich has provided programming and support to youth from Kerben, Kant, and surrounding Communities
20+ Alumni 2024 Kerben Cohort
20+ Alumni 2024 Kant Cohort
20+ Alumni 2025 Kerben Cohort
Over a dozen communities and villages served
Dozens of Hours of Guest Speakers
1000s Hours of Direct Instruction
100s of Hours of Mentor Support
Community Partners
Our Current and Past Partners
Throughout the years Kel Chai Ich has enjoyed Financial, volunteer, and organizational support from the following groups.
Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund
Projects For Peace
Columbia University
Billimkana
Iceicle
Private Donors
Countless Others Who Have Donated Their Time and Passion To Ensure The Success of Kel Chai Ich.
22 Mentors From 11 Countries
Volunteer Contributions
Each of our participants are paired with a mentor following program completion. These mentors meet with participants for several months after completion of summer programming to ensure our participants have access to the support they need long after our initial programming is complete. Our mentors come from diverse countries and top universities around the world, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Through our one-on-one matching system, each mentee is paired with a mentor who best fits their need.
What Our Alumni Have to Say
Over the last several years we have taken the feedback from our participants to heart, striving to provide the best programming and support we can. Here is what past participants have had to say about their time with Kel Chai Ich.
Kel Chai Ich Does More Than Provide Resources, KCI Helps Foster Individual Growth
“This program helped me better understand myself, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and clarify my future goals. I would recommend this experience to others , because it inspires learning and personal growth.” Kel Chai Ich Participant 2025″ (Kel Chai Ich Parent 2025)
What Parents Feel About Kel Chai Ich
“Through the project, she was motivated to take charge of her future, independently applying to universities abroad, a milestone that fills us with pride. I am amazed to see how she is guiding her brother using the knowledge she gained through Kel Chai Ich.” (Kel Chai Ich Parent 2025)
Providing Mentorship and Support Long After Our Programming is Completed
“My mentor helped me believe in myself, gave me maximum support, told me about their experiences, they proved that no matter what, we just have to go forward, they themselves were small children with wonderful dreams (just like us).” ( Kel Chai Ich Participant 2025)
