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My family, my hope!

Although the standard of living in Russia is statistically continually improving, many people are still suffering from chronic poverty because of the extremely unbalanced distribution of income. Children and juveniles are especially affected: at almost 24 per cent, child poverty in Russia is about three times higher than in Europe. Many children are forced to live on the streets, coming in touch already very early with alcohol, drugs and even prostitution, which in turn often leads to infection with severe sicknesses such as hepatitis or HIV. More than 650,000 children and juveniles are looked after in state-owned institutions that chronically lack the financial support they need. The money available is barely sufficient to cover operating expenses and the salaries of teachers and guardians, but not refurbishing or even new investments.

One of these institutions is the orphanage in Vorontsovo, a small old town about 700 kilometers from Moscow. The Charity has already been supporting the orphanage in the past and now financed the refurbishment of one of four apartments in cooperation with the charitable organization kleine herzen. Children living in rigid home structures for a long time regularly have a problem finding their way into a self-determined and financially independent life. With that in mind, the orphanage's basic structures were adapted to become a modern family-style care center based on the concept of the Austrian "SOS children's villages". Up to eight children live together with two "mothers", thereby getting the chance of growing up in a domestic and affectionate environment.

Dmitry, Victor, Vera, Irina, Igor, Stas, Stepan and Dmitry (aged between seven and 18 years) moved into their renovated apartment in September and are now enjoying their new family life. The new environment will hopefully not only significantly improve their adolescence, but also make possible a successful start into their adult life.