Funding Education Centre for Russian Orphans

Every year about this time, a few of our older children leave home to study in Moscow or Kaluga, to test their wings.... and this makes room for new children to join the foster families at Kitezh Children's Community and have the benefit of their love, care and therapeutic education. 

Lilya is in her final year at University in Kaluga where she is studying Social Work. When she graduates, she intends to help other children like herself, who were abandoned by their parents at an early age. Lilya returns to visit Kitezh frequently, as this is her real home. She also keeps an eye out for 18 year old Sandra, who has just started at University in September, and lives in the same hostel, two floors below her. "We say hello and get together from time to time," says Lilya,"I think its good for Sandra to know I am there, like an older sister. We feel we are sisters, actually." Sandra is studying Tourism, as she wants to become a Tour Guide, which will allow her to use her excellent English.

Father and son have found one another - Max Anikeev was waiting for a year for a son who would feel 'close to his soul'. 12 year old Nikita Morozov came to Kitezh for this summer's Role Play Game from the Children's Home in Tver and he stayed with Max for one month. Very soon they understood that they could live together. Max invited him to stay and he said "Yes! It will be fun." And it is still fun. He is open, very friendly, tries to help, is supportive, intelligent and practical. He likes repairing bikes, made a shelf for himself, and even built a wooden house for the dog! He likes to read books, play with soldiers, and is interested in physical exercise, running, discovery, adventure. Nikita is hoping for a 'Godparent' - someone from abroad who will sponsor him. If this is you, please get in touch! 

And Vasily has graduated successfully from Law School and is now working as a lawyer in Moscow. He has his own flat, and earns good money and is really enjoying being part of the working world. "All thanks to Kitezh - I never like to think about what my life mght have been if I stayed in the Children's Home. I look forward, and never look back!" 

We are so proud of our Kitezh youngsters - although they had a tough start in life, they are all engaging successfully with the world in their own ways, some with their own families, studying or working to support themselves. None reflect the national statistics for orphans in Russia, probably the whole world - in crime, on the streets, homeless, hopeless. Kitezh gives them knowledge and belief in themselves to become the best they possibly can be. What more could an orphan ask for? 

Links:

• Readers Digest features Kitezh as Dmitry's Dream
• Sponsor a child - become a 'Godparent'