Photo blog: social dorm kids & state park trip

From: Lena Voznyuk (Last Bell staff)

The Ukrainian government cares about orphans up to a certain age. After their last day of studying at the orphanage, they enter specialized colleges — trade schools — with housing provided (a dormitory).

But after graduation from trade school, orphans lose the right to the bed they had during their education. Those who have nowhere to go find themselves on the streets.

It’s for kids like this — they’re mostly young people — that places called “social dormitories” were created. Orphans have the right to live in a social dorm for three years.

In parallel with our work at the trade schools, our team also deals with the social dormitories. Every week we organize meetings for orphans who live there and present lectures for them: “Lessons for Independent Behavior.” We talk about how to find a job, or how to get ready for an interview, for example.

We also meet with the kids in person — we get involved in their lives, find out their needs, help them with job searches, accompany them to see doctors (if needed), provide them with clothes and food, etc.

On May 3rd, Nastya and I, along with the the orphans and staff of the Social Dormitory, had a chance to go for an excursion to Bila Tserkva (Kyiv region) and to the village of Buki (also Kyiv region) to visit some amazing natural parks. We and the dormitory staff had made a picnic lunch for the kids.

We were absolutely excited about the beauty of God’s creation and people’s ability to care about His creation. We spent lots of time with the kids while we were walking along in the park.

Events like this held in an informal atmosphere help build more deep and trust-based relationships. This day spent with the kids gave us a chance to get to know them better, become their friends, and to establish trust-based relationships with the social dormitory staff as well.

Big thanks to our God for this trip! Please pray for these kids and their future, because they need it so much.

Best regards, Lena Voznyuk