Helping Those Left Behind

By Yuri Kudinov, Russia Program Developer

Because of the many needs of the children who are left behind, Children’s Hope has devoted much of their efforts to those who do not have much hope of being adopted into a family. We have projects in each region that we are working in. In addition to starting the playground project in Chelyabinsk, we also aided in funding for the surgery department in the hospital for cleft lip/cleft palate operations. In an orphanage in Tubuk, outside of Chelyabinsk, Dwyatt took into his heart children he met at an orphanage during his trip to Russia in summer 2000. The orphanage of Tubuk is a wonderful home to about 90 children, and they have learned to farm the land, make their own clothing, etc., from the meager income from the government.

We are also continuing our efforts at the Sludyanka orphanage in Irkutsk to fulfill their needs. This year, we bought a minivan and tanks of gasoline for emergency situations. In Vladivostok, a lot of our aid has gone to Vladivostok Children’s Aid Society, which has helped develop a vocational school and Christian educational project for orphans. The Society can also help to repair orphanage buildings and send Christmas presents for children each year. In Tomsk, our biggest project is in coordination with local Ministry of Education. We will help build a new orphanage and internal school for children with cerebral palsy. Another area of funding is an educational project which helps in development of children from ages 0 to 5 years old.

These projects are funded by the donations of adopting families but also by the generosity of others who hear and are touched by these situations and have it in their heart to help those left behind.

Hope for the Children of Russia
A childhood for those left behind…

By Susan Davis, adoptive mother

Playground at Orphanage #2 in Cheylabinsk built by CHI funds.

Throughout my life, many events have influenced my thoughts, hopes and dreams. But, nothing that I had experienced before had ever had such a tremendous impact as my journey to Russia to adopt my daughter Victoria. I believe that God led me to my wonderful daughter, across 11 time zones to a place called Chelyabinsk, Russia, so that I could truly see how blessed I am, and to make a difference in the lives of other children as well, those left behind.

Orphanage #2 in Cheylabinsk, Russia is a very clean place where children live and grow each day. The caregivers give the love that they have. It is not that different than other orphanages throughout Russia. It is also very sparse. The children had very few toys and nowhere outside to play. Imagine children who have never ridden a bike, or kicked a ball, or slid down a slide, or swung in a swing. God’s children, our children, wonderful loving children. Yes, these children need basic things like good nutrition and vitamins, but they also need a place to play outside.

So this is where my journey has led me. I have committed to a volunteer partnership with Children’s Hope. Our mission is to provide playgrounds, playground equipment, gross motor development and learning toys to the children who are left behind. It costs less than $8000 per orphanage to build a wonderful playground that will provide a place to play for the children.

If you can find it in your heart to help, please send your contributions made out to Children’s Hope International with a notation “for playgrounds.” We plan to build two more playgrounds this year. Together we can help the children regain their childhood! If you have any questions about my journey, or this project, you may contact me at sdavis5563@aol.com.

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