It is hard for anyone to take in stride all of the lessons that life has to teach; for those orphans forced to venture on their own at the age of sixteen, they need all the help they can find.  Somehow, the government expects them to gain and maintain, by themselves, social and financial independence after leading an institutional life where everything was decided for them, given to them.  The ability to adapt is also tested for each individual at so young an age as they learn the hardships of a world they’ve never gotten to know.  We have observed how many children experience feelings of vulnerability, despair, and confusion when trying to find a job or to furnish their apartments.  Orphan children giving up their endowed apartments is an unfortunate pattern that we see over and over again occur; still others enter into sexual relations before they understand the repercussions, emulating the behavior of their parents.

The growing trend of orphans birthing orphans or becoming homeless is a tell-tale sign that there is a lack of action occurring at the state level in Russia.  We have yet to see a plan introduced that would provide models for these “children of the state” that would explain to them how one realizes his/her creative/professional/civil potential as a Russian citizen.  The few options of continued education and employment offered by the state to the graduates of the orphanages do not usually address/tailor their programs to the specific needs of an orphan.  Many of the children receive technical training for an unpopular specialty in the market, certainly not prestigious, and have to endure heavy and low-paying work as their career. 

More basic than finding a job is the injustice surrounding finding a place to live.  The children who are biological orphans (no parents left alive) are allowed to apply for a municipal-endowed apartment if they have no surviving relatives.  The so-called “social orphans” (for example, the ones simply rejected by their alcoholic parents) are forced to find a registered apartment/flat on their own or are expected to return to the parents’ residence.  The latter option is rarely productive/utilized, so it is usual to see children live together in a sort of pseudo-commune apartment setting.  Others simply are left to the streets. 

In response, we try to help find our pupils a place in society; we work with them to make a decision as to the direction of their life and how they can achieve this goal.  In order to not only set them on their way, but to help them follow through depends on your help, too.  We have a project being planned named "Pelican Club" that would give many of our kids a job and a place to stay; in the meantime, we are always looking to diversify our studio with new lessons/training workshops—we need teachers!

Adaptation Camp

Beginning in 2001, during spring vacation, we spend a week with the kids from our studio who are soon to leave the orphanage.  The training we provide during this week is specifically mean to help prepare the kids for an independent life.  We head out to the suburbs of Moscow where we settle in groups in small cottage-like houses with a kitchen and appliances.  Under the supervision of a counselor, the kids are expected to help maintain their living space and to communicate regularly with the live-in psychologists who are there to realize and solve the problems they encounter.  Additionally, we have consulting lawyers and social workers come and explain to the children their rights and duties as a model citizen; they also introduce how to correct social and household dilemmas that may arise in the kids’ new life. 

During this week, not only are the kids given tons of information, but they also apply their new skills of dialogue when they go out clowning in local hospitals or orphanages bringing cheer and happiness.  The purpose of such a camp is to provide information and to psychologically shelter the child in their first encounters with complex situations.  Having removed the stress of being alone, we try and demonstrate how it is possible to make a smooth transition into society without being impulsive or unpragmatic. A tradition we’ve created to celebrate the end of the camp is to have a huge shish kebab dinner the last night. 

Stay tuned to our upcoming announcements!  If you’re interested in joining us on the next trip, you won’t need to acquire a special invitation!