Case studies: former child from Keila

Real Estate Broker Meelis, counsels Mother

22-year-old Meelis, the first youngster to leave the SOS Children's Village system in Estonia three years ago, stands on his feet strongly and is setting new perspectives. "Everything I am at the moment is thanks to SOS Children Estonia," the man says.

Meelis is preparing to graduate from university this summer and he works at the same time in a real estate company. "I am writing the final paper at university and I work in the afternoons," he explains.

A couple of years living on the streets pushed him to write his final paper on the reasons why children end up living on the streets. "Although I have been in this situation I'm not writing about my own experiences; it's more like I'm trying to see if my opinions are correct or not," he says.

The first conclusion he is ready to share is that the ministry of social affairs, the institution dividing the money, is not very well aware of how the money is spent and what areas in the sphere need more money.

Virtues of youth facility

"The Ministry of social affairs says that we don't need youth facilities, but a youngster leaving the orphanage is hit by life - he doesn't know how to fill in documents, handle money issues etc."

For example, for me it was a big newsflash that you have to pay for the public utilities. In short, one needs support and a youth facility is a perfect place to do this," tells Meelis. "Otherwise the problems will grow over your head too easily."

He practised to deal with the problems for six years, three in the village and three in the youth facility in Keila. "I learned how to heat a house and how to handle my money," he reminds now.

Suprises for children

He was 14 when he started to live in the village and the most difficult was to get used to the life with commitments, something he had forgotten while living on the street.

His SOS mother Merle reminds that she had doubts, when the 14-year-old boy with the experience of living on the streets and who had already been quitting smoking, came to her house.

"I didn't have much information on him and all I had - it wasn't very encouraging. But he has surprised everybody pleasantly; in fact, this characterises him very well - he has been always special in a good sense and able to surprise others."

Meelis, how did you get into SOS Children's Village?

My mother and father had problems with alcohol and when they parted three of my sisters and one brother were put first to an orphanage and later into SOS Children's Village in Keila. I stayed with my older brother to live with my mother.

When my mother started to drink again we were left alone; my brother was put to an orphanage. When I went to visit my sisters and brother at the SOS Children's Village somebody made the suggestion to stay in the village.

At first I didn't like the idea; because I was convenient with the freedom I had living on my own. Now I think I was lucky. If there hadn't been SOS Children's Village I would not have gone to secondary school. I can't even imagine what I would be today. Maybe I would be still in the streets. Both of my parents are dead by now, I can't imagine what my future would be like.

Home sweet home

When I went to SOS Children's Village it was like coming from a different society, I was ousted. I was afraid to communicate, but after a year I was completely different: I worked in the school's newspaper, organised parties and contests in the school etc.

I can state that without the SOS Children's Village system I would not sit on that chair, I would not work as a real estate agent and I would not definitely learn in the university.

The man started to work in the real estate three years ago and the beginning was complicated. "It was really difficult and I thought at least ten times that I should quit, but then it suddenly started to thrive."

He is sure he will be involved in the real estate business after graduating from university. "I have plans in this business - at the moment I'm only a broker, who sells apartments and houses plus organises the rent issues, but I would like to get the licence for real property valuer."

"It means that I should work under the guidance of a licensed valuer for two years and then I could make the exams, but as I am graduating from university in youth work speciality I am revolving in the mind an idea to be an educator in a youth facility. That would be just pure fun, a dream job!"

In September 2004 Meelis fulfilled his long-time dream - he bought his own apartment. "My own apartment! It's a terrific feeling, that I have now my own place. I'm a huge fan of my home."

Help hotline

He is thankful that he was given the chance to get back from the streets and put his life back to track.

"I'm convinced that SOS Children's Village is a very good place for children to grow, I like the atmosphere there. The essence of the village for me is the moral support - there is someone I can always call and ask for advice."

Mother Merle adds that they have discussed many major issues, but the conversation is not anymore one-sided. "If it comes to the real estate, then I'm the one who asks for the advice."