2011 April

In all the orphanages Christmas celebrations took place. There were joyful festive activities with performances and games, all the orphans were given presents. After the celebrations there were festive tea drinking with various treats. All the orphans were happy with the celebrations organized for them.

“Christmas is my favorite holiday now. In the past we would celebrate New Year, but Christmas would go by almost unnoticed. We have been celebrating Christmas merrily and with as much interest as New Year for some years now. I like going to church for a morning festive service.”

Aliona N., Ostrovskiy orphanage.

In the end of January, letters which spoke about the latest news and events were sent from every orphanage to their American friends. The disciplers also wrote about their work and observations in them. At the end of March we will be sending letters with information about new events.

During the reported period at the Ministry Center there was a camp for Makariev and Kovaliovo orphanage kids. In addition to different activities, all the orphans had their eyes checked and those who needed new glasses received them.

“We are thankful to our sponsors who come to visit us every year and give us grand days. We appreciate our friendship and hope for long-term cooperation,”

Valentina U., Makariev orphanage director

Also at the Ministry Center there was a four-day camp for 24 Sudislavl orphanage graduates. The camp theme chosen by the American volunteers “Healthy mode of life” was to the point. The camp was a success. It was great to meet everybody and spend time together.

“Thank you to our American friends for such an opportunity, for gifts and time given to us”

Sergey P.

In the end of January there was an outing to the skating-rink for 10 graduates orphans. We planned a hiking trip to the woods but because of strong frost with snowstorms the trip was cancelled.

“It was my first time to do skating. It was great. I enjoyed it.”

Dima T.

At the Ministry Center there was a competitive program “Our Guys” devoted to the Defender of the Motherland Day. In the program two teams composed of graduates orphans competed with each other. Wonderful contests were prepared, and the participants got presents for taking part in them. After the program there was a festive table with various treats.

“We’ll remember this day for a long time. Merry contests prepared for us by the girls did not leave anybody behind. Everyone could take part in any contest, it was great,”

Vanya V.

At the Weekend Club there were talks on the following topics: “Family budget”, “Conflict and its resolution”, “Achieving a goal”, “A man in the house”. A team from the Ministry Center participated in the city competition “The Course of a Young Soldier”.

Nikolay D. continues working at the Ministry Center. He fulfills his obligations of a yard-keeper with responsibility and is proud to work at the MC.

In January and February Roman S., a Galich orphanage graduate, lived at the Ministry Center. He was discharged from the hospital, but he has not had his cast taken off yet. That’s why he is still staying at the MC.

“I’m thankful to Nadezhda Fund for letting me stay. I was discharged from the Hospital but still have my plaster. I cannot leave Kostroma now and I have nowhere to live here. But for the Fund I would not have known what to do,”

Roman S.

Young Mothers Program

The program participants are 14 young mothers and 15 kids. Twice a week young mothers with their kids take part in the Club of a Young Mother where they acquire skills on taking care of kids, learn the trick of bringing up their kids with more responsibility, get knowledge on child psychology, and learn to keep the house rationally and plan the family budget more effectively. At the sessions the young mothers receive knowledge on their rights and obligations, and what institutions to apply to in case they need additional help.

“I have been a program participant for a short time but I felt the support and help immediately. It has become easier for me to bring up my child. If I have a problem, I can go to the Ministry Center”

Lena L.