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"Sorrow" by Nikolay
"Sorrow" by Nikolay
Loneliness. Pain. Fear.
These are the harsh realities for many orphans in Ukraine. Over 100,000 children live in state orphanages in Ukraine. There are an estimated 130,000 teenagers living on city streets. Living in storm drains and abandoned buildings, they roam in packs, begging and scavenging for food. That is why MANNA Worldwide and Children’s Hope Fund Ukraine is involved in rescuing as many of these castaway children as possible. Please read on to learn what is being done and how You can help make a difference, one child at a time.
Life of an orphan in Ukraine
There are more than 100,000 children are living in state operated orphanages in Ukraine. More than half of these children are “social orphans”- orphans due to abandonment, poverty, or court ordered removal from their biological parents because of abuse or neglect.
Because of limited funding many orphanages are unable to do more than meet basic needs of the children. Education standards are generally sub-par and little is done to equip these children for life that follows after they must leave the orphanage.
Annually, between 10,000 – 15,000 children, some as young as 15, “age out” of state institutions with no place to live, no means of support, no adult supervision. Tens of thousands of young teens are suffering abandonment and homelessness. Many become victims of human trafficking, forced prostitution, criminal activity, and drug abuse. Their lives often become nighmares filled with loneliness and despair.
MANNA Worldwide and Children’s Hope Fund Ukraine are working together to not only meet the needs of children living in orphanages but to provide Bridge to Life Homes for post-orphanage children who have few or no options in life. A Bridge to Life Home provides a loving family environment where children are given every opportunity to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
SAFE HAVEN is such a home that is in its ninth year of operation. Its focus is orphans 18-20 years old and is located southeast of Kiev. SMILE HOUSE is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2011. It is located just west of Kiev and will focus on orphans 16-18 years old. Each Bridge to Life Home consists of a two-year program for each child.
In addition we are committed to providing assistance to children currently residing in orphanages and to the institutions themselves. We hope that you will partner with us as advocates of the weak and helpless.
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up” Psalm 27:10