Non-traditional educational opportunities were a great hit this past year. Young people toured different historical sites, learned more about the heroes of their country and were able to worship in some of the most amazing cathedrals in Russia. The January, Easter and St Petersburg trips were designed as incentive rewards for future leaders at the Regional Ministry Centers. Each participant had to display initiative by attending activities at the Ministry Center, participating in the volunteer program and being positive role models to their peers. The responses from the participants were as varied as the individuals themselves, but all very positive.
The Art Symposium held in May 2009 exceeded our expectations. Eleven students from 3 regions spent 5 days honing their skills under the watchful eye and direction of American Artist and teacher Penny Stewart (pennystewart.com). Following a week of class that closed with an art exhibit at the Youth Center all of the students joined Penny and a team of American travelers on an excursion to St Petersburg to visit the Hermitage Museum and other historical sites. For the students, it was a trip of a lifetime. For the Americans, it was a wonderful way to experience an amazing city, while at the same time establishing deep roots of friendship.
In a more traditional vein – we are funding partial living expenses for seven graduates in Moscow and St Petersburg making it possible for them to pursue higher education, offering tutoring and professional prep classes for students ages 15 to 25, and providing school supplies and tutoring for the students at the Family Centers in Lakinsk. In 2010 we are funding counselors at three technical schools.