Our education program includes tutoring, additional education opportunities, stipends for University and college students, and activities that give access to educational resources, help develop talent and motivate further education. All the kids who studied with tutors continued their studies each at their own pace. Although many were anxious about their finals, the classes with their tutors gave them hope and extra confidence.
Katya, who studies at the Institute of Polygraphy, said this to Yelena K (our Program Director in Moscow): “I’m so glad every time you call me. See, my life is just between school and dormitory and I so often feel lonely. But when you call and invite me to your meetings, this cheers me up.”
When reporting on our programs we often ask for feedback from the orphans themselves, but this formal context often results in dry, formal responses, when the truth is that on their own these young people are anxious to express how thankful they are, and with great enthusiasm!
Katya and eight more older orphans, former participants of our ministry programs were students of Moscow’s colleges and universities last year, which is a great achievement for orphans in itself. The ministry’s efforts inspire them to aim high and equip them to achieve their goals and we see an increasing number of motivated and successful young people among our participants.
Another one of our Moscow students said it this way: “I wanted to share with you about the happiest moment for me these days. I am officially done with university. I defended my Diploma today. And I got an “A”. I wanted to say THANK YOU for all great help you did for me during all these years. Without such a great people who you are Iwould never achieve something like that alone. It was such an interesting adventure for me. Now I feel myself more mature and confident. Thank you one more time!!!” Sincerely, Natasha Chekina
Nikita K., Mstyora orphanage graduate: “I became a student of Vladimir State University. Unfortunately I was never serious about studying foreign languages at school. But it turned out that I had to have a credit in German to be able to take my other exams. I am thankful that Nadezhda fund stepped in and paid for the additional German courses I had to take to get a credit. As a result I passed all my exams and I am continuing my education now.
Kseniya V., Galich orphanage graduate: “I’m very glad to have a chance to study more.I work as an accountant and I really need to take a course of new bookkeeping base and upgrade my professional skills. Thank you for giving me such a possibility”.
“When I decided to take a course in accounting I still doubted if I’d be able to find a good job. I consulted with our local Labor Exchange office and they told me that this education was a great advantage that would help me find a decent job. I was really happy to hear that; hopefully, I will get a good job very soon.” Katya K., Kostroma
Katya K. has successfully finished her accountant training and received a certificate. She is very excited about her achievement; she already has some previous work experience in this sphere which definitely should be helpful in finding a good position. Three Ryazan orphanage graduates completed their courses in additional professions (massage and nail extension) and received their certificates.
There were 5 participants in Ryzan that were able to take professional courses: Merzlyakov Andrew – massage Oorzhak Marianna – massage Pudova Nastya – nail designPoley Arina – manicure,pedicure Belyakova Sveta - manicure,pedicure
In four Ministry Centers, computer classes continued to operate several times a week throughout the school year. The Interns provided significant help and support to these classes. They helped the young people master MC Text Editor and Graphic Editor, prepare their home tasks, and find some facts and information in the Internet, and as well as assist with reports, term papers and diplomas. In April, the computer classes were extended and taught at Kostroma 9 ; 15-16 older orphans attended those classes. The topics of those classes included: Graphics of Word, using Excel. The participants were also taught to use Internet Explorer, work with Outlook, search for information on the Internet.
“I am very thankful for these computer classes. Without knowing how to work on the computer you won’t get far, you simply won’t be able to find a decent job.” Tanya V.
Staff members at tech-9 Vladimir, Tech-23 Suzdal and Pokrov Teacher’s college and in different tech schools of Kostroma and Kostroma region continued their work with orphanage graduates implementing the program “Post-institutional Adaptation in Tech-schools”. The specialists hold consultations for orphanage graduates on social and legal issues. Monthly psychological trainings and discussions in all of these institutions were devoted to reduction of the incidents of crime among adolescence. Discussions were held on the topic “Unhealthy Eating Habits” (food additives, convenience foods, fast food, etc.). We can say that this is a burning issue nowadays since older orphans are staying at the dormitories and a lot of them will often spend all their money on chocolate bars and chips once they get their stipends and then they end up starving until their next stipend rather than cook healthy food.