TURKMENBASHY, Turkmenistan, January 23. LAURA Myerburg, a Peace Corps volunteer, recently decided to do something about the numerous children unable to swim in in Turkmenbashy, Turkmenistan, a seaport along the Caspian Sea. Myerburg decided she would establish the area's first youth swimming camp. Turkmenistan is a former republic of the Soviet Union that declared its independence in October of 1991.
Teaching English to children, Myerburg originally told the youngsters that if they attended class, they would be rewarded by attending swim camp. As a result, 20 children attended Myerburg's class for six months. Then, they had a chance to take part in the swim camp, which was run by six Peace Corps volunteers who were strong swimmers. The owner of the pool provided a financial break and local students served as translators.