There are over 470,000 orphans in Russia. The majority of orphanage graduates is unable to successfully integrate into society. For 18 years "Big Change" helps young people from orphanages who have the most difficulties after graduating the system to settle well in life, to find a job, a home, a family. We have done this by developing motivation to learn and skills essential for independent living, helping them get better education and expanding the range of their interests.
Only 25% after graduating the system will settle well in life, finding jobs, a home, a family. The rest will not adapt to an independent life, becoming drug addicts, alcoholics or involved with crime. The main reasons for such depressing statistics are improper education, absence of basic social skills and family support, as well as a position of "victim" cultivated throughout their life style.
Our main goal is to help students become well-rounded adults capable of leading a successful and independent life by: (a) developing an interest for learning; (b) accessing education; (c) choosing a profession and find a job; (d) developing skills for independent living, and most importantly (e) gaining self-confidence. Also we find it very important to help our students regain interest in studying, and develop trust and respect towards themselves and people around them.
In 2020-2021 academic year 120 orphaned children and youth at "Big Change" are getting education, entering a college and obtaining desired profession. Which takes them to the point of being able to lead independent life, i.e. making independent decisions, being responsible. Socialization and education is not just changing lives of our students but also reduces risk for their children to get to orphanages.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
