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May 2003
There are 60 social establishments for abandoned children in
the Donetsk region. This donation trip was spearheaded by Joan Jones, who
adopted two children, Timmy and Obri, from Donetsk Children’s Home. Accompanied
by Yulia Boychun and a contractor, David, Joan visited the Children’s Home in
Donetsk and two other boarding schools in the region, Uglgorsk and
Maryinka.
The Preschool "Teremok" Orphanage in Donetsk is more than 50
years old and is one of the nicest in the region. It is home to 58 healthy
children, ages 3-7, and has 51 dedicated employees on its staff. Families from
Germany, Italy and the USA have adopted 6 or 7 children so far this year.
Although the daily ration for a child is 4.5 UAH (about 0.85
USD), with the help of sponsors, the daily ration is really 5.5 UAH (1.04 USD).
So the children are well supplied with the food. The average monthly orphanage
salary is about 140 UAH (26.42 USD).
On Monday, May 12th, we went to the Donetsk Children’s Home and
met with the director, Rayisa Andreyevna. We toured the orphanage and saw
all the changes that have happened since Joan’s last visit including the
gymnasium equipment that Joan donated. Rayisa said that now they have the
best-equipped gymnasium in the region and that she shows it to all her
visitors.
For this trip, Rayisa requested that repairs be made to the
dining room. Repairs were estimated at $1215 and a contract was signed the next
day. Joan also donated medicine, vitamins, sweets, cookies, and coloring
books.
After that, Joan and David visited and played with three groups
of children who were all healthy, clean, and well cared for. David was
practically attacked because there are few men working in the orphanage!
The orphanage workers are happy that they have the opportunity
to take children on different outings. During the summer, they usually go to the
seashore. They also take the children to museums, theatres, cinemas, and the
circus. The children have parties and, occasionally, go out to eat. The
orphanage has a minivan on its wish list.
Joan returned on Thursday and Friday, and brought bananas,
oranges and ice cream for the children. By the end of our trip all the children
knew us and were ready to go with us to the US!.
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Over
6 years experience & 300 completed intl. adoptions
