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Situation in Russia
Teenagers are the most vulnerable part of social community. When they face problems caused by state reorganization they are unable to respond in a proper way. Because young people have no strong moral convictions, they can easily make wrong decisions. All parts of society, in particular family relationships have been affected by this social upheaval. Job research, new fields of activity, and economical instability of the family make young people question the wisdom of following their parents' way of life. Thus family values have changed. Now, teenagers seek new ways for their self-realization, away from home, where they meet bad moral values, which have an impact on them. Because they are disappointed in the family values, the family as a paradigm does not exist for them anymore. As a result the teenager is getting morally, legally and socially more vulnerable.
Having a lot of struggles he tries to adjust himself to this world as best he can.
According to official information, annually 90 thousand teenagers run away from their homes, one thousand of these children completely disappear. According the State Statistics Committee 433880 teenagers up to 17 years old stay at juvenile delinquents' room:
· 31, 4 % of these children have a single parent. Daily in Russia over 1000 couples divorce, around half à million children stay living with a single parent. This dysfunctional family situation impacts on the emotional, physical and intellectual growth of teenagers.
· 2, 2 % - children have no parents. This group of children belongs to Children at Risk.
· 1, 8 % - children of orphanages and shelters. After the state reformation, annually around 50 000 children, who were born to young parents up 14-17 years, in general they are left at maternity hospital. 533,137 orphans were registered in 1998.
This situation requires having consulting centers, which are focused on developing a healthier lifestyle for teenagers. It requires providing this group of children access to medical, psychological and social support, including individually-tailored services.
CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMP PROJECT
What is it?
The Summer Camp Project takes a group of parentless and under-privileged needy Russian children from Moscow on holiday for 2 weeks at Christian camps. This short break aims to create an atmosphere for these children of a unified family and close relationships, which these children normally do not experience.
In addition to creating a close family atmosphere, it gives them the opportunity to enjoy exciting games and genuine fellowship. Outdoor games in the fresh air and nutritious meals provide for improved health and physical condition. Fellowship in the spirit of love and Christian hope teaches them trust and helps them to look at life with optimism.
Who are the children?
These are children between 8 and 16 years old who would not normally be able to go on holiday because they are from orphanages or are from families where the parents do not have a job or where the salary is less than $20 per month.
Who looks after them?
Volunteers from churches are formed into groups who will teach, play with, and look after the children.
What are the children given to do?
They are taught Bible stories and songs; take part in crafts such as making badges, shirt painting and bracelets. Health improvement takes place in swimming, football, volleyball, basketball, softball and fun aerobics.
What are the benefits of the project?
The better ecological environment and food improve the health of sick children. Traumatized children have a chance to play and relate with other children who have suffered or who are suffering similar circumstances. The volunteers gain experience working abroad with children from different cultures. Bible study and Christian lessons give the children a good grounding in Christian education and they are given an opportunity to receive Christ as their personal Savior. We transform the drab everyday life of needy children into a real holiday for them.
Excursions across Moscow, one of the most beautiful cities and the capital of their home, opens for them the opportunity to see beauty which had previously remained inaccessible to them. Dreams come true for these children as we take them to see the colorful performances in the famous Russian circus and enjoy a holiday at McDonalds or a cheerful picnic in a Moscow recreation park. In their young lives these children have rarely experienced anything so significant and life changing.
RESULTS
This project has been taken place for 4 years. We have observed that the children who have taken part in these camps have become healthier. Children become more disciplined and have started to learn other languages. The creative thinking and range of interests were increased for the most of the children. Their reading, telling stories and writing were improved. Children learned to resolve conflicts through discussion of problems.
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