National Conference "Ukraine without orphans"

November 11-13, Kiev
President Hotel

From November 11-13, Kyiv National Conference "Ukraine without orphans” will be held.
For the first time at the national level the leaders of churches, charitable and community organizations, educational institutions, adoptive parents, and key representatives of the Christian community will meet to discuss the strategy for effective assistance to orphans and children left without parental care.

A landmark event of the conference will be the presentation and start of the Alliance "Ukraine without orphans" - Ukrainian Christian movement whose mission is to achieve by genuine concern for the life of every orphan, give them the opportunity to grow up in a loving family and to prevent child abandonment in Ukraine.

The conference program includes:
- Presentations by experts - one of the most successful international charities Compassion International (USA);
- Workshops for various ministries to orphans;
- Ability for acquaintances and exchange experiences with leading Ukrainian and international experts on children's rights;
- Presentation of the book by Dan Brewster's "The Child, the mission of the church";
- Ceremonial signing of a memorandum of members of the Ukraine without orphans."

Speakers of the conference: Vyacheslav Nesteruk, Alexander Babijchuk, Philip Savochka, Alexei Demidovich, Dan Brewster, Roman Korniyko, Nicholai Kuleba, Steve Weber, Peter and Tamara Dudnik, Gennady Mokhnenko, Ruslan Malyuta, Ruby Johnston, Paul Gladchenko, Alexander Fedorchuk, Carmen Frismen, Christie Healy, Sergei Demidovich.

Conference organizers: Charity Association “Emmanuil”, Compassion International, International Charity Foundation" Father's House", project "One Hope", “Republic Pilgrim", a project of the National Adoption" You will be found”, "the mission" Agape "," Service in salvation of children, Alliance, "Ukraine without orphans”.

Attention! Registration for the conference until October 22. Seats are limited.
Contact: Nadiya Kondratyuk, the administrator of the conference "Ukraine without orphans"
Tel: (044) -38-38-072, (044) -359-08-00, (066) -716-72-05 www.ukrainabezsyrit.com

News from the "Treasure Island"

The half of the camp flew by…

The first shift of educators stood their watch and gave authority to the next shift. "It was not easy, but very interesting", - told us the educators. Especially sad for children to part with those to whom thease months we've been bounded and grow fond. Life in the camp is extremely dynamic, so in a relatively short period of time kids get so many new impressions, experiences, discoveries that have greatly and positively affect their formation, character formation, and new habits.

Program of the camp is based on the "pedagogy of adventures" and allows children, with the help of experienced teachers, to adapt to different social and positive way of life. In an atmosphere of adventures, interesting activities, excursions, children gradually leave the bad habits and negative attitudes towards others. They begin to make friends, to help peers and adults, learn to control their emotions, seize personal hygiene.

During this period we are happy to admit: that children have changed a lot: get used to order and the correct day regimen, no longer require everything by shouting, learned to give thanks and to properly handle, to obey right away, and they just thawed out in an atmosphere of acceptance and love and even begun to talk about their past lives.

But there is still a rich and interesting month ahead. See you. Join our journey.

"Otchiy Dim" children's pictures

Greetings to everyone from the Treasure Island

Today is the 26th day at the camp. Every day we are surprising and enjoying the wonders and blessings of God, which accompany our journey. Several days it was raining almost with no stop, so we couldn’t swim in the sea. But we used this time to make closer friends, learn about each other and just to talk on different topics. Interesting contests, competitions, debates, and especially the activities helped to reveal the talents and tastes of children.

We celebrated the birthday day. Because June was rich in Birthdays – there were four. From the words of our small neighbor, who came to our holiday: "There were four kings, who had a birthday”

The Lord has blessed our team of honest, dedicated volunteers who use their spare time and considerable finances and came to serve children.

A few days ago three more kids joined us, who until then were in the hospital. Here they are:
Andrei, the youngest member of our team. June 22 he has turned only four years. Interestingly, he was perfectly aware that he should do, and for a few days was testing educators’ patience, making the opposite. Only on the third day he agreed to obey. At the same time, staring into the eyes of his tutor, he said clearly several times: "Well, I understood, understood"

Sasha, the elder brother Andrew, he is 5 years. The first few days with his face was expressing fright and the terrible strain. He categorically refused to do what all the children did: exercise, play games and singing. He was often crying. It seemed like he was often punished. He was constantly worrying about his brother, watching, that they would not be separated. These days Sasha is little accustomed and not so afraid. Become more active, sometimes even sings and plays the game.

Danic, 8 years old. An extremely intelligent boy, who struck psychologist by high rates by different methods. He is pretty clear and reasonable when answers to the questions. And although it is clear that nobody has exercised with him he still didn’t lost his natural abilities. Daniil is very lively and active. More often than other boys receive comments, and is not very upset because of that. But it seems that he simply is not taught to listen.

So who wants to join our camp in any way, it is not too late. Welcome. We will be glad to see you.

Season of rest and recovery is open!

For twenty-five children from the "My Family" Centre of family care, continues the season of rest and recovery!

Along with caregivers and tutors children went to the village of Stormove, which is located 15 km. from the city of Evpatoria. This year we experienced difficulties in finding finances to provide children with rehabilitation, mental and spiritual rest, and making our best effort, we turned to friends and partners of "Otchiy Dim" for help.

Thank God by the efforts of many people - a necessary amount has been found!

Now the kids are, spending their days - swimming in the Black Sea, visiting historic sites; every day is interesting and useful to communicate with mentors and leaders of the camp.

We look forward to returning children and wish them all the best, and are grateful to all who helped to organize this trip for children!

“Treasure Island Camp” - 2010 in the midst ...

... Today is 25th day at the camp. This year's theme of the camp is - "Journey to the Father's House". We travel paths of the Israeli people in the Sinai desert. We pass on the way a lot of interesting stations: Mount Sinai, Temptation, Bread of heaven, sin, greed, etc., on which we find most important life lessons. And also we are swimming in the beautiful warm sea, sunbathing, and playing different games, engaged in creative, delicious eating and sleepingwell.

There is 13 children in our "caravan". All of them are unusual and wonderful. That's about some of them:

Sergey, 4,5 years. Even on the train no one heard his voice and did not see him smiling. Only large frightened eyes... Today is a cheerful, smiling and sociable boy. He learns poems by heart and sings songs.

Anya, 10 years old. This girl’s most favorite words in the beginning were: "I do not want", "will not", "bad". She did not participate in any general event. After a few days stay in the camp in response to the question: "How do you like it?", Replied: "So-so." Now Anja frequently used words: "Well," Good "... Soon we hope to hear from her:" Very tasty, I like it".

Sonia and Katya, sisters, twins, 10 years old. Girls who do not know how to speak calmly, but only a loud cry and mad pressure. Adults have to use all the wonders of pedagogical and psychological skills to make the way to their hearts and break the wall of mistrust.
In the next reporting we will write more about what is going on here.

During these days we visited the Kerch museum of marine flora and fauna, climbed the mountain of Mithridates, which inspected the excavation of ancient city Panticapean, monument to soldiers died in World War II, and had sea voyage on a boat.
Our journey continues. To be continued ...

5 years of fruitful cooperation with USAID Agency

"Otchiy Dim" International Charity Foundation where the unique methods of support and social adaptation are developed for orphans and children left without parental care. It is support with finances by Ukrainian and international charities for 5 years already cooperates with USA Agency in international development USAID within the program "Family for a child" («Родина для дитини»).

Read more:http://www.radiosvoboda.org/photogallery/4229.html

Travelling artists from Germany visited “Otchiy Dim”

Last week we had a very interesting guess visiting the children in “Otchiy dim” - the artists from Germany “2wheels4change” traveling by bicycles from Germany to Mongolia. On their way they stop to entertain children and adults. One of their stops on the roads of Ukraine became “Otchiy Dim”.

Children were glad to have these unusual and interesting guests, and they easily find a common language, as emotions and sign language usually sys more than words. As soon as relations were established altogether they have started to work hard and practice with children.

For two weeks children were attending workshops in acrobatics, juggling, improvisation dances, pair dance, clowning, drums, flute, beat-box and poi. By the end of the first week they have organized a show for the children in Petrivske village with our children. And after training for a while children have arrived to Kyiv with real circus show performance.

For every child the performance was very important as some of them had to come up and show their talents in front of people for the first time. We are grateful to our guests for unforgettable moments!

Nadya and Khrystyna have got a family!

There is a pleasant moment at the Centre of Social Care – two sisters Nadiya and Khrystyna are adopted! Now they have new loving father and mother and also three more brothers and one sister!

We are very glad, that these small girls will now grow in and develop in full family.
When they have just come to “Otchiy Dim”, they were very frightened. Khystina was crying all the time; she didn’t want to play with other children at all, and was closed. Nadya didn’t talk to anyone, mostly she was quiet, didn’t reply even when she was asked what her name is. When we were getting ready to celebrate their Birthdays, it turned out that don’t even know what that is, as they have never celebrated it before. The girls have gone through hunger, vagrancy and fear.
As time went by the girls have stated to blossom – they’ve started to play with everyone, became very active and sociable, more open to caregivers, and felt more self-esteemed.

This autumn Khristina will go to her first grade at school. As their new mother was sharing her emotions she said: “We all feel like the girls have always been a part of our family, then they have just been gone for some period and they are back home”.

“Clear heart – clean city”

On the eve of celebrating the holiday of bright Christ’s birthday in the Petrivske village was held the action “Clear heart – clean city”.

Every year getting ready for celebration we organize a small cleaning day. This time it was on Friday, at 4 pm we gathered by the village council building in a good mood, all the caregivers and children of Father’s House, members of local “Salvation” church and even our friends – volunteers from Sweden.

Roman Korniyko divided all people into groups, and gave everyone an area and work to do. In few minutes the work was started – children were carefully gathering trash into bags, gathering broken branches, raking up the ground. And soon it stared to rain, the works were not stopped, but the very opposite they gained some excitement and interests. It’s hard to imagine that on such a small territory 300 bags of trash were gathered!

A little wet, but very pleased with results of their work children and adults came back to Otchiy Dim, were everyone was offered delicious pizza and hot tea.

After such efforts in cleaning the street, you will think over should you litter again?

“Shvydko” restarurants help “Otchiy Dim”

On April 2, at the net of “Shvydko” fast-food restaurants the charity action “Let’s help together” has been started, thanks to which sport ground for “Ochiy Dim” will be finally built.

Everyone who during the period of April May will come to the “Shvydko” restaurants to taste their favorite Ukrainian dishes can join to this good deed.

From every paid bill 5 kopeykas will be taken to the fund of playground building. And for those who would like to make a personal input – special “Magnets of Kindness” are prepared, five Hryvnas each!
So, have a good meal and see you!

Happy Easter!

Dear friends,

On these sunny spring days
We would like to greet you with
This great Holiday of a bright Resurection of Christ.

This became the victory Of love, kindness, truth and faith
This is a safe proof of eternal life For everyone who belives.
So, let the wonderful Sunday
Inspire you for faithful ministry to God and people
For the joy of salvation
Which we received through this deed Of Jesus Christ our Savior!

”Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”1 Peter 1:3

With kind regards and prayers for You,
Roman Korniyko and big friendly family of “Otchiy Dim”

"Spring Flood" Drama Festival

Every spring in old city of Lviv, which is in Western Ukraine “Emmanuel” Christian theatre holds the “Spring Flood” festival. It is the fourth year already as “Dialogue” Theatre studio and “Singing Hearts” music group from “Father’s House” participates in it.

From all over Ukraine Theater and music groups, ensembles and singers come to participate. Through the whole year our children are getting ready for this festival, as this is a great chance for them not just to show and reveal their talents but also to make new friends and to learn some art skills from other groups, which is very important for their self-concept and develop them into strong personalities. In between the contests the very interesting cultural program for children is organized where they got to know some historical memorials of the Lion’s city, attend museums, temples and monuments. This widen their world-view, develops the sensitivity to art and teaches them respect traditions and culture of our country.

This year the festival took place right before the Easter so the theatre performance of the “Dialogue” studio named God’s Love was dedicated to this pure and bright holiday – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On these special days children wanted to show by this play that Love is strong enough and it overcomes all the difficulties and give us everlasting life. And no matter who you are this love accepts us and helps us to overcome hard times in life and obstacles.

The “Singing Hearts” music group sung songs of God’s love, which leads us to the heaven and gives joy on this wonderful day when Jesus was raised.
At the festival children have met new friends and strengthened relations with Emmanuel theatre and now are ready for new creative meetings in the following year.

The Helping Hand

On March 20 “Otchiy Dim” children arrived to the trip to orphanage for disabled girls in Poltavska oblast, Novi Sanjary village. As we arrived there were 86 girls at the orphanage, most of them are physically disabled in different degree, some are having Down syndrome, and there are also some mentally disabled: deaf, blind, dwarf and cerebral spastic infantile paralyzed.

By this trip we wanted to teach our children not just to receive gifts and aid for themselves but also to give away, to be compassionate to others. And also to learn to appreciate and be thankful for everything they have. Besides we really wanted the children to make new friends and keep in touch by correspondence in future.

We were getting ready to this trip in forehead, that’s why in the beginning of February at our centre we had “The Helping Hand” charity event; children as well as adults took part in this event. During the month children could gather some clothes, toys, bathroom stuff and some finances for girls. It was so wonderful that everything needed for this trip – expenses for patrol, stuff for orphanage we gathered through offerings.

Children prepared program for the girls – play “Peter Cat” and some songs. Children accepted us and were watching the play with great pleasure, and it was such a surprise for us to know that they also prepared a program and some presents for us as well. After the official part children acquainted with each other, and spent a lot of time in fellowship, took a picture as a keepsake, left their mailing addresses to keep in touch. There were no barriers between children in communication, in spite of physical defects these girls have, they remain children – and they also have a need in love, touch, hugs, they are all children and easily express their emotions.

After such trips it is impossible to remain indifferent or apathetic to these children, and compassion comes to their hearts and a great desire to help somehow. We have decided to take girls from the orphanage under our support and we will keep on taking care of them through our “helping Hand” events, and the most important through personal fellowship.

Winter skiing in Protasov Jar!

On Saturday, February 6th a group of children from “Otchiy Dim” has spent unforgettable time skiing at Protasov Jar in Kyiv.

This time nine children arrived to ski under the guidance of experienced rest and recreation events manager – Igor Kaminskiy. For most boys and girls skiing is one of the most favorite activities, and for two of them it was the first time in their lives skiing. That’s why they had so much to learn – how to go skiing, move correctly, stop and control the speed and so much more.

Children had a lot of fun skiing. A good mood was accompanied by a wonderful weather and good equipment – skis, suits and shoes. The whole day long children were skiing and having fun together. Of cause there were some falls but praise the Lord with no traumas.

We are sincerely grateful to the leader board of Protasov Jar skiing complex for given opportunity to use their services for free! It’s well known that skiing is very helpful for children’s health. Fresh winter air cleans the lungs, and hardens all body, works out steadfastness.

Since then such “winter adventures” became traditional. More and more children are longing to join young and experienced skiers. We hope to find a chance to fulfill wants of all children – with necessary equipment, skies of proper sizes, shoes and so on and we hope that Protasov Jar will keep on welcoming our children in future as well!

Children’s drawing contest

Children’s drawings are like small windows opening the wonderful world of fantasy and fairy-tale, such unreachable for most adults. Everyone who visited Otchiy Dim these days had a wonderful chance to take a look into this world. As last week we summed up the results of drawing contest at Otchiy Dim among children of the Centre of Social Care and Children of Family Care. Children were proposed the following creativity directions – “Otchiy Dim”, my life today; Holidays, Birthday, Christmas, Easter, Harvest Day; My future; World around me.

The winners were chosen in two age categories 6-10 years old and 11-15 years old, altogether 25 children took part in contest, 68 masterpieces of young artists were performed before jury. Children were awarded with finances for the first places. The best pictures were used to decorate the calendar, which will bring joy through the whole year to all its proud owners – our friends and partners.

Winners in first age group 6-10 years old
I – Bondar Nadiya, Dahnenko Vitaliy
II – Sirenko Nadiya
III – Pidakyra Vova

Winners in second are group 11-15 years old
I – Yaschenko Marianna
II – Shemet Sergiy
III – Kononiuk Angela and Shemet Sergiy

«Bright Nativity star!»

New year 2010 at “Otchiy Dim” International Charity Foundation has started with revival of traditional Nativity Play, with performance we have visited many our friends and partners, governmental and non-governmental organizations.

This wonderful play brings us back to two thousand years old events, when Son of God, Jesus Christ was born on earth, for everyone who believeth in Him would be saved and eternal life.

Among the main characters at the Nativity we’ve seen – shepherds, angel, wise men, king Herod, salesman, death, Ukrainian girls – beautiful and singing. These were the characters performed by participants of the theatre studio “Dialogue” and music group “Singing Hearts” from Otchiy Dim”.

Bringing the Good News of the Birth of Christ, our children were wishing peace, love, health and wealthy to everyone! It was so wonderful to see happy faces of people, shining of watched performance and songs, from warmth and kindness of our children!

«It's so easy to help!»

On Christmas Holidays eve cell-connection company Life made a wonderful present for ‘Otchiy Dim’ International Charity Foundation and children’s Centers all over Ukraine, who work with street kids, orphans and children left without parental care. This gift was a start of a new national charity program “It’s so easy to help!” realized for a couple years in a row.
The purpose of this charity program is to attract attention of society to the problem of abundance and orphan hood and to gather finances to support such children, their development, education and care.
This year it was very easy to join the charity project – you just had to bye an image for mobile phone, by sending an sms, or just call to 2009, and in such way donate for orphans and children. It was very wonderful that all finances gathered from selling animation images the Life Company has doubled and is going to give to children’s centers all over Ukraine, and “Otchiy Dim” is among them.
We are very grateful to the Life Company leadership for taking a great responsibility to help orphans and children left without parental care in time when economical crisis in our country has influenced the abilities to donate and take part in charity.
The action keeps on going and we wish much people to join this wonderful charity project “It is so easy to help!” and to experience a great pleasure of making good deeds!