Interview with Tamara Prydatko, July 21, 2021

Interview Summary

Tamara Prydatko, TEFL Program Manager, Peace Corps Ukraine, Kyiv Prydatko joined the Peace Corps staff as a TEFL program manager in 1996, following a position with the Soros Foundation. In this position, she interacts with teachers, students, counterparts, regional managers of education, and the Ministry of Education. Prydatko, then, influences many people in the realm of education as she manages an array of projects. In her estimation, Peace Corps meets the changing needs for improving the educational process in Ukraine. This was especially apparent coping with the evacuation of all volunteers during the Covid 19 pandemic, during which time, she was instrumental in planning and implementing numerous workshops/classes for the stake holders. Prydatko introduced coaching techniques into those forums, particularly active listening skills, as well as critical thinking and financial literacy skills. RPCV’s were a part of the training team to work “these miracles.” Prydatko meets challenges by finding ways to resolve them by being open to alternative approaches, listening, and focusing, and confronting uncomfortable topics or issues. While Peace Corps Ukraine awaits the arrival of volunteers, she said that the office “is a flower that wants to bloom.”

Interview Keyword

TEFL Program Manager Kyiv, Ukraine Soros Foundation Projects Changing needs Volunteers Covid-19 pandemic Planning and implementing Coaching Active listening Critical thinking Financial literacy Resolve issues Alternative approaches

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