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Pen Pal Club: Frequently Asked Questions
Magic Carpet runs a Pen Pal Club so that schoolchildren in Azerbaijan and the US
can learn more about one another through personal letters. Teachers at several
elementary schools in Montgomery Country, Maryland and Ganja, Azerbaijan work
with Magic Carpet volunteers to arrange for correspondence between children of
similar ages and interests. If your school does not yet participate and you would like
to find a pen pal, please read the step-by-step instructions or contact us directly.
can learn more about one another through personal letters. Teachers at several
elementary schools in Montgomery Country, Maryland and Ganja, Azerbaijan work
with Magic Carpet volunteers to arrange for correspondence between children of
similar ages and interests. If your school does not yet participate and you would like
to find a pen pal, please read the step-by-step instructions or contact us directly.
Q: Will my pen pal speak English?
A: We carefully choose elementary schools with English language programs.
However, at first your new friend might not be comfortable writing in English. But
don’t worry - Magic Carpet volunteers will translate your letters into Azeri, and
your pen pal’s letters into English.
Q: How long does it take to receive a reply?
A: The postal service in Azerbaijan is not completely reliable, but in general it may
take up to two weeks for your letter to arrive, and another two weeks for your pen
pal’s reply letter to reach you.
Q: Can I write to my pen pal using e-mail?
A: Unfortunately, very few schoolchildren in Azerbaijan have access to e-mail. This
is a good question to ask your pen pal.
Q: How much does my pen pal already know about America?
A: Your new friend has probably seen many American films and TV shows that are
translated for local TV, so s/he might have some unrealistic ideas about how
children in the USA really live. Many think that all Americans are very rich, or that
all live in large cities like New York or Washington, or that children treat their
parents disrespectfully. S/he will be very curious to learn about your life, ideas and
dreams.
Q: What should I know about Azerbaijan?
A: Just 15 years ago, Azerbaijan was part of a different country called the Soviet
Union. Then Azerbaijan became independent. Just imagine if Maryland separated
from the USA, and suddenly you needed a passport and different money just to visit
Virginia or Pennsylvania! Life has become very difficult since many parents lost
their jobs when Soviet factories and offices closed, and nearly a million people lost
their homes when a neighboring country started a war with Azerbaijan to take some
of its land. The UN Children’s Fund estimates that the average per capita income is
only $710 – that is less than $10 a day for a family of five (UNICEF, 2002). Despite
this, Azeri children are very proud of their homeland and ancient culture. They are
lucky to have large families, close neighbors, beautiful mountains and many joyful
holidays.
A: We carefully choose elementary schools with English language programs.
However, at first your new friend might not be comfortable writing in English. But
don’t worry - Magic Carpet volunteers will translate your letters into Azeri, and
your pen pal’s letters into English.
Q: How long does it take to receive a reply?
A: The postal service in Azerbaijan is not completely reliable, but in general it may
take up to two weeks for your letter to arrive, and another two weeks for your pen
pal’s reply letter to reach you.
Q: Can I write to my pen pal using e-mail?
A: Unfortunately, very few schoolchildren in Azerbaijan have access to e-mail. This
is a good question to ask your pen pal.
Q: How much does my pen pal already know about America?
A: Your new friend has probably seen many American films and TV shows that are
translated for local TV, so s/he might have some unrealistic ideas about how
children in the USA really live. Many think that all Americans are very rich, or that
all live in large cities like New York or Washington, or that children treat their
parents disrespectfully. S/he will be very curious to learn about your life, ideas and
dreams.
Q: What should I know about Azerbaijan?
A: Just 15 years ago, Azerbaijan was part of a different country called the Soviet
Union. Then Azerbaijan became independent. Just imagine if Maryland separated
from the USA, and suddenly you needed a passport and different money just to visit
Virginia or Pennsylvania! Life has become very difficult since many parents lost
their jobs when Soviet factories and offices closed, and nearly a million people lost
their homes when a neighboring country started a war with Azerbaijan to take some
of its land. The UN Children’s Fund estimates that the average per capita income is
only $710 – that is less than $10 a day for a family of five (UNICEF, 2002). Despite
this, Azeri children are very proud of their homeland and ancient culture. They are
lucky to have large families, close neighbors, beautiful mountains and many joyful
holidays.