HOPE

Three years ago on a cold fall morning, Andrei, Diane and Kim sat at Kim’s kitchen table and wondered what could be done for the vulnerable orphans that age out of the orphanage. So we thought and thought and came up with Help Orphans Pursue an Education-HOPE. With the recommendation of the orphanage directors (there are 8 in Buryatia with orphans graduating high school) we could find the kids with the best potential and aid them to complete their collge education. In Russia, orphans have certain rights to education. The state pays tuition, gives the orphans housing plus a $8.00 stipend per month. This program has not been utilized because the kids can not survive on the stipend. We saw our opportunity! Beginning in the summer of 2007 we sent our first group of students to take the enterance exams for University. The entrance exams are very difficult in Siberia, especially for orphans. Most children are groomed from a young age to prepare for these exams. Of the 14 students who originally sat for the exam only 10 passed. So our inaugural class of 10 began at several Buryat Universiies in the fall 2007. The children are all pursuing a 4-5 year college degree. Unfortuantely during our first year three students failed to complete the course.

Sponsoring families in America support the students with a allowence of 5,000 Rubles ($200) per month. This money allows for the students personal expenses..clothing, books, supplies etc. For our students it is the difference of being able to attend college or not. We also hope that it allows them to be more accepted as typical children without the stigma of  “the poor orphan.”

In the fall of 2008 we cooperated with the local medical university and supported 2 students who were already registered students but unable to continue due to lack of financial support.  We also had 5 students begin at the University level.

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting all of the HOPE Students.  We currently have 6 from the original group (one girl did not return because she had a baby), 2 medical students, and 5 from the second group. 13 in total. We have two students who are still in need of sponsorship- if possible please contact Kim at kkipp@comcast.net.

 

 I was so touched by the sweetness and appreciation expressed by the students. (Mom and Dad, Lulov needlepointed the most beautiful piece for you!) and I have many many photo books to send to the sponsoring families.  The kids wanted to hear all about the families who sponsor them in America. (Lynne, when I told Vitaly about you and your 5 lovely children (my nieces/nephews) he said  “and I am number 6!”  It was very cute.

This spring there are 85 graduating high school orphans at the 8 facilities. The Ministry of Education  told us they only expect 3 or 4 to pass the enterence exam. We will know in late summer if we are in need of sponsors for a few.