By Vasylyna Dybaylo | Project Leader
Dear friends and supporters,
It is always the start that requires the greatest effort. I am deeply moved, as I am writing these words, because thanks to your support we have reached our goal and raised the 8,000 USD needed to help 180 Ukrainian orphans leaving institutional care. We are thankful to each and every one of our 116 supporters!
The money you have been helping us to raise since December 2011 was used towards organising 2 summer camps for 80 young people in May 2012 and May 2013, conducting 152 meetings of the youth clubs for 60 care leavers during January - May 2012 and September 2012 - May 2013 school terms, participating at the International Training of Children and Young People in Alternative Care, as well as renovating accommodation for 2 young people who left care in 2012. Below, you can see the detailed breakdown of how we spent donations recieved from you through GlobalGiving:
Thanks to the money donated, we were able to conduct life-changing work with young people leaving orphanages in 4 areas of Kyiv Region. They received professional encouragement and support, were taught social, vocational and independent living skills – this gave them a better position and ensured a smooth transition into independent life. Here is what care leavers say about the “Sure Start” Program themselves:
“For me, youth club meetings always mean interesting time, much fun and support” - Olia, 15 (second to the left)
"Thanks to the “Sure Start”, I was able to make new friends and meet many interesting people." - Sasha, 17 (second to the right)
"I learnt how to make the first step towards the problems and how not to be afraid of obstacles and failures." - Oleg, 16 (on the right)
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"Great time, friendly atmosphere, lots of new and interesting things. I like being able to speak up and to be heard." - Katia, 17 (on the left)
We are also excited to report about fantastic progress with renovation of the care-leaver’s accommodation. Just over a year ago we wrote about Nina, 20 who was supported by “Sure Start” in a battle over a 2-room apartment which belonged to her but was taken away by dishonest relatives. When she finally won it back, the flat needed a complete renovation. GlobalGiving donations have contributed towards reparation of Nina’s accommodation. Please see the amazing results of the hard work on the photos below. Despite the hard times, Nina is looking forward to her future with great optimism and much appreciation: "My social worker is my blessing - together with her I managed to overcome all difficulties. This person made me believe in my better and bright future." We can also add that it would not be possible without your generous support and donations.
In the related news, we have launched a new GlobalGiving project providing emergency fostering for children who are in need of urgent protection www.goto.gg/13047. We hope you continue to support our projects that are close to your hearts.
Meanwhile, you can follow the updates on “Sure Start” in 2013-2014 on our Facebook page – your feedback is very welcome! Once again, we thank each one of you for giving Ukrainian orphans a sure start in life.
/With best regards,
Vasylyna Dybaylo
Project Leader
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