Life after the orphanage: supporting teenagers

Summary

We know that the Russian orphanage system is not set up to prepare children practically or emotionally for adult life.  This is why as many as four in ten orphanage leavers become drug-addicts and one in ten commits suicide.

We have published a Life Skills course, which is now in use in orphanages across Russia.  We also support the grassroots Sunflower charity, which runs a group for around 20 teenagers and young people who have recently left or are about to leave their orphanage in St Petersburg.

Activities

Olga, a member of Sunflower's parenting club, had the idea for this project.

"Once I lived in a children's home. Now I'm grown up I have my own family. It wasn't easy for me to start living independently. I want to tell you about it 'cos soon you'll be in the same situation."

We fund two groups for the young orphanage-leavers, which each meet weekly.  They are led by two psychologist, experienced in the specific problems institutionalised young people face.  For the first time, the young people are asked to think about questions such as, "What will you do on the day you leave the orphanage? What will you take with you?"

Volunteers from the club for parents who grew up in orphanages also help support the group.  Both sides benefit, sharing experiences and making friends.

After a recent session, one young man stood up and declared:

"I can't wait to come back for the next session, but now I want to sing!"

He did, and the rest of the group joined in.

How you can help

• £6 will buy tea and snacks for one session
• £11 will pay for the pens, paper and craft materials needed for four sessions
• £51 will pay two psychologists to set up a session for twelve young people
• £6,700 will fully fund the group for one year

Who benefits?

The group will start with 25 young people aged 16 20 23 on the basis that not all will carry on through the year.  We expect a core committed group of around 20.

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