Child sponsorship update from Almaty, Kazakhstan

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Almaty, Kazakhstan from Winter 2008

First of all on behalf of all children and SOS mothers and other staff of SOS Children’s Village Almaty I would like to send you our sincere gratitude for your generous support! Your contribution makes SOS Children’s Village a home for 96 children, who are living happily with their SOS mothers, brothers and sisters within the warm and family atmosphere of the village. With pleasure I will share with you the latest happenings in village:

New school year 2008-2009 has begun. Seven children graduated from school and entered different colleges. We are very glad that most of our teenagers are thinking about future; who they want to be when they grow up, what profession they would like to obtain, and step by step they are moving to aim. Besides school/college classes they are attending additional courses and work independently at home. These studies require great effort, but we have no doubts they will succeed. SOS families are always there for support.

In the framework of additional support for SOS families, a two week theoretical course for SOS mothers and aunts was organised with assistance of outside specialists. SOS mothers and aunts attended lectures and round tables, where they learned new valuable information, and discussed important issues concerning cooperation with biological relatives, child drug addiction, and many others. SOS mothers and aunts also took relax trainings with elements of art-therapy and yoga that help to solve inter-family and personal problems. The volunteers from Red Cross continued lectures for youngsters and children on AIDS and HIV problems.

Children’s rest as usually was organised during summer vacations. In free time children visited roller club, ice skating rink, circus, etc. Every child spent a month or more in various summer camps and sanatoriums.

For celebration of SOS Day in July we invited our friends - state children organisations, mass-media, representatives of companies-sponsors, etc. In September the general managers of HSBC bank visited their supported family house and presented all our children complete set of English textbooks, grammar books and dictionaries. One local businesswoman donated eleven electric stoves. This present is also useful as for today most equipment of the village become outdated.

Children's events at Almaty, Kazakhstan

There were not any child admissions and leavings of this year in our Village. But we can’t say the same about SOS mothers. Last year one of our SOS mothers left us, she returned to native city because of the troubles in her biological family. It was very difficult for her to make such decision. She created comfortable and amiable atmosphere in their house. It’s not easy to find a woman like her, that’s why an experienced SOS aunt temporarily fulfilled mother’s tasks. Finally a new SOS mother Marzhan started working in February. She knows this job well as for a long time she was working in kindergarten. Gradually, mother Marzhan found common language with children; she tries hard and we hope that her efforts will bring good results.

Youth Facility youngsters during summer vacations looked for a part-time job. It was not so easy to find it but some managed and worked as waiters, shop assistants, etc. In September there was renovation of Youth Facility apartment; now it looks much nicer and brighter. Next year, in case we solve the question with the 2nd Youth Facility, we plan to transfer there about 40% of village children. It will be an outstanding event.

We have good news: one boy Aleksey from Youth Facility was a “difficult” teenager, causing many problems to surrounding people and himself. That’s why he was sent to a specialised rehabilitation centre for almost a year. But now we all are happy to see that Aleksey has changed a lot to the better - he returned from the center with good appraisals; attends the 11th grade of evening secondary school. His elder brother Anatoly, who is on semi-independent living and renting a flat, took Aleksey to his flat. Now both brothers live together and work rather successfully as workers on interior finishing.

The Children’s Village is once again in a very emotional and happy period of the year, getting ready to celebrate the coming New Year. We all are preparing for holiday that will be celebrated with new and old friends, honored with traditions, and accompanied with music and joy!

Dear Friend,

We hope that our news have fulfilled your expectations. Let me once again thank you for all your generosity, for your kind heart, and for your warm feeling towards our children!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You,
to all Your relatives and friends!

May the spirit of winter fill your home with love and joy!

Best regards and wishes,
Dolkun Akhmetov,
Village director, Children’s Village Almaty