Types of orphanages.
Why are there so many orphans?
What is being done to help?
Projects to be undertaken.
Programs needing sponsors.
How can I be a part?
Types of orphanages
-Babies Nest: The youngest children in Ukraine who find themselves with no caring family might live their lives from 2 months to 3 years in what is called a Baby nest. At 4 yrs old they are moved either to a preschool nest, or to an institution for mentally or physically disabled children. After preschool they are destined to live in one of two types of dorm schools.
-Level one: The first level schools are where the children receive a regular education. Some of these are in fact public schools with dorm facilities for children from no or struggling family situations. These schools have a better budget and the children receive an education that could equip them for entering college.
-Level two: Second level orphanage schools are more numerous, almost one in every region. They receive less funding from the government and are grateful for the most basic needs, from paper and pencils to medicines and facility repairs. The quality of education equips the children for going on to trade school but many end up living out the same struggles of the previous generation.
-Level three: A level 3 orphanage is for children from 4 yrs up with mental disabilities. They receive the lowest budget and attention from the government and have the lowest ratio of caregiver per child. There are no school or activity programs and when the children become too old or difficult to care for they are moved to nursing homes.
-Level four: What is called a level 4 orphanage is for children with physical and usually, but not always, mental disabilities. These children also receive no school or activity programs but the ratio of caregiver per child is greater due to the needs of feeding and caring for them. For many of these children their average life expectancy is 18 and daily life is to lie in beds with no stimulation unless outside sources intervene. Some of the children are living at deaths door, while others are healthy and active except for crippled limbs, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and similar mild disabilities.
Return to top
Why are there so many orphans?
Many of the children in what are called orphanages have parents or relatives. They are called orphans or half orphans when one or both parents cannot provide the basic necessities of life and bring them to the orphanages, seldom returning to visit. The government is beginning to allow and support a foster care program to increase the number of children that can live in a home setting, and many organization seek sponsors to support struggling families. Another factor is the difficulty of raising a child with even the slightest medical or special need, thus at birth parents are strongly encouraged to give up their parental responsibilities.
Return to top
What is being done to help.
Within Ukraine there are many open doors to supplement what the government provides for the care of children in order to bring about drastic changes in their lives. These facilities for children are dependent upon the medical and material aid of charitable organizations. There are also churches and organizations within country that have a desire to meet the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of these children but need the funds to do so. The goal of CFK is to learn of needs, strategize the best way to meet the needs, and maintain a high level of accountability. Our developed staff of Ukrainian administrators who have a vision for changing their country accomplish this.
Upon this foundation, individuals and groups are reaching out to provide bible clubs and evangelistic outreaches, extra caregivers, therapists, teachers and learning programs, as well as funding for local concerned groups to have the opportunity for visiting the children on a regular basis. Such groups provide encouragement, medical assistance, spiritual guidance, and the caring arms children need to feel loved.
Past successful projects have included building playground equipment, developing classrooms, and an indoor exercise facility for the enjoyment of many children. A horse for plowing and transportation, winter wheat for planting, and cows for fresh milk have helped to make orphanages self-sufficient. Replacing windows, insulating heat pipes, painting, tiling, repairing walls, providing hot water heaters, and many other projects have helped improved the working conditions for the staff.
Return to top
Projects to be undertaken.
Within regular school orphanages sporting equipment, basic school supplies, clothing, shoes, and toys are always needed and can be delivered by local groups coming to interact and develop encouraging relationships with the children. These supplies can be shipped through such avenues as BOL, Meest, or purchased within Ukraine.
Many of the orphanages are in old dilapidating buildings that are in need of repair. Maintaining a working heating system, operating kitchens, protective roofs, and plumbing systems many not sound like a great ministry but are essential to good health and hygiene for the children. CFK's project managers do all the purchasing and overseeing of such projects to guarantee that funds get to the needs and are as cost effective as possible.
"It is a shame that I need to ask for your help, but it is a reality I can't deny. Therefore I have given great consideration of which need to ask for. I don't want to continually be asking for our basic needs, but for the things that will give us the ability to meet those needs ourselves." Director of Pliskave orphanage. What one time purchases would meet this? Milk cows, producing pigs, wielders, chainsaws, etc. CFK does not directly give money, but takes an active part in the decision making and purchasing of such needs. Receipts and pictures are always used to provide documentation and accountability.
Return to top
Programs needing sponsors.
Arrangements have been made, and the needed equipment is in place to provide a dentist where children have never been treated before. A starting salary of $35 has been promised to a local dentist along with furnishing all the supplies she will need.
Come spring of 2005, in an orphanage for mentally disabled children, we will acquire 3 rooms to expand our school program. Start up costs may run $500, and sponsorship for such teachers salary is currently $50 a month.
Currently Bible clubs in orphanages are provided by pastors and trained ladies of the local church. We do not recommend a salary for such ministries but funds for the materials and transportation needed for success. This ranges from $15 -- $30 a month.
In all the orphanages there is always a need for medical assistance. Illnesses spread quickly and immunizations are not always current among the children brought in and even the workers. Local volunteer professionals through Mercy's ministries can meet these needs. Helping them to visit the orphanages on a monthly basis helps support the local nurse, keeps sicknesses minimal, and gives CFK professional help in responding to purchasing medicines in times of need.
Return to top
How can I be a part?
CFK invites individuals and groups to take upon themselves a ministry of their own. Your involvement can be as minimal or involved as you are able. Our staff in Ukraine will help manage the project and give reports, being an extension of your concern and love. Throughout this web site we have endeavored to list the current needs we are developing which a one time designated donation or monthly sponsorship can meet. Please contact Lynnise for more information.