More than 10 years ago, the collapse of the Soviet Union,
plunged Russia into a social and economic crisis.
While conditions slowly improve, still
more than 60% of the population are considered low income to poor and at standards of comparison that are
much lower than that of US economic living standards. The official poverty guidelines in 2001 set poverty level @ $1,575 Rubles
per month which is approximately $50 US.
As the Russian people struggle to embody a democratic government
and free enterprise system, many social services lag or are non-exsistent.
These factors have forced thousands of families
to make the unfathomable decision to abandon or give their children to poor houses and childrens homes, just to save their
lives. Unfathomable and yet in some cases, heroic.
Each year, more than 120,000 new children are admitted
to orphanages in Russia, constituting nearly 2% of the entire population of children in Russia.
IMAGINE THAT EVERY SCHOOL AGE CHILD IN NEW YORK CITY WERE
IN AN ORPHANAGE AND YOU ARE STARTING TO GET THE PICTURE!
There are no real alternatives to the orphanage system in
Russia and so they become the only source of refuge for the parentless children of this society.
The best efforts of the governments limited resources are
not nearly enough!
While the Orphanage Facilities, Childrens Hospitals
and Shelters are in various states of repair, most are far from adequate and many would be condemned by US standards.
Adequate food supplies are a constant concern and malnutrition
is prevelant.Damp and cool conditions, lack of proper clothing, bedding, cleaning and sanitation supplies and equipment are
the norm.
These factors result in underdevelopment, both physically
and mentally and often lead to permanent health problems and even death.
Survival is a way of life for these orphans!
They go to sleep without hope and have nothing upon which they can base their dreams.
SAY YES, I WILL HELP....EVEN TO ONE ORPHAN! EVEN $US10 PER
MONTH WILL PROVIDE FOR ONE CHILD.
Please remember, your information will NEVER be shared with
anyone!
