Orphans who age out of institutional care without a caring adult in their life often fall prey to exploitation, crime and despair. Kidsave, and now its successor in-country Childhood Keepers, fights this by matching them ahead of time with volunteers who mentor them, give them financial and life-skills training, and help them learn to be independent, financially in control, and able to succeed by finding and fostering relationships we hope will last a lifetime. We've matched 1400+ teens so far.
More than 80,000 children live in orphanages in Russia. It is very difficult for a child who has spent part or most part of life in an orphanage to begin independent life in an unknown world when turning 18. Quite often, they are the victims of criminals, drug addiction, and homelessness. They often can't find a job or hold one down. It is difficult for them to start a family, and if they do their children often land in orphanages, repeating the cycle of institutionalization and despair.
This program will begin by giving 10 teenagers the opportunity to spend days or a school vacation with a specially prepared family. Kidsave finds, vets and prepares families to handle the special challenges of orphan children and learn to communicate effectively with them. The program also prepares the teenagers to participate and communicate with adults, and explains the role of a host family in general. Kidsave experts support the new relationship, meet regularly with them and smooth the way.
Host families help end the despair and hopelessness orphaned teenagers can feel about their lives by helping prepare them for an independent future. Through steady involvement and communication with caring adults, teenager gain confidence in themselves and find they have the motivation to study and fulfill their potential. Kidsave's Weekend Miracles program lays the foundation for the long-term success of these older orphans. This budding relationship often leads to adoption or guardianship.
