What's New
FORO announces Irina Simonova Scholarship
FORO has established the Irina Simonova Award to be provided to one older child each year that is departing the orphanage system in the Arkhangelsk Region. The child chosen will be one who shows a spirit of hard-work, honesty, integrity, determination in the face of struggle, and most of all compassion and a willingness to help others--the qualities Irina demonstrated so well. While academic achievement is important, even more important is identifying a child who will go into the world dedicated to helping others more than helping themselves. By giving this award, we hope to help many orphanage children. It is hoped that the recipient will be able to inspire his or her friends to strive to develop these qualities, and perhaps in future years, return to the orphanage to visit and encourage the children who remain. It is hoped that the first recipient will be identified later in 2008.
FORO begins re-wiring project at Dzherinzsk Orphanage #1
One of the biggest concerns for the children at this orphanage lies in the ancient wiring in the orphanage. Fires have destroyed other orphanages in Russia, and the fear of a fire is especially scary at Dzherinsk, since the orphanage is home to children who are physically and mentally disabled. Nothing could be more important than making sure children are safe and secure. And so at the "Evening for the Angels 2008" FORO announced a donation of $10,000 which we hope will cover 50% of the costs for Dzhernisnk Orphanage #1 to rewired. We hope an FORO friend will be identified who will contribute the remaining $10,000 to complete the project.
FORO Friendship Trip 12 Completed
FORO representatives visited twelve orphanages where FORO is working in November 2007. On-going and future projects were assessed and direct aid provided at various locations. FORO Board member, Kerry Clark, also delighted the children and staff with his music.
What's Cooking
Last fall, FORO sponsored "What's Cooking" competitions at orphanages in Arkhangelsk, Vichegodosk and Sol Vichegodosk. Children learned the life skills of purchasing, cooking, clean-up and other home-life skills. The children loved the program and are excited about another opportunity to participate in 2008.
Orphanage directors are also very pleased with the results. The cost for this program are $500 per orphanage. Please consider helping with this program and designating your donation to the "What's Cooking" program.
Kotlas Baby Home Anniversary
The Kotlas Baby Home, FORO's flagship orphanage, celebrated its 25th anniversary in fall 2007. To mark the occasion, FORO's visiting team surprised the orphanage staff with a photo journal of from of the American children adopted from this orphanage, thus fulfilling the director's dream of knowing what has become of some of the children in his care. The staff was delighted with the surprise--a fitting tribute to people who have dedicated their lives to the care of children.
Starting Strong Scholarships Issued
FORO has now issued its 2007 Starting Strong scholarships to several orphans
graduating from the orphanage at Sverdinsk. These scholarships provide
stipends to cover transitional living expenses, making it possible for some
children to be able to commence higher education in the city instead of
returning to their home villages.
FORO launches work in Kostrama region
FORO representatives made their first visit to the Kostrama region in November 2007. FORO had previously begun to assist a nun caring for homeless boys in the Kostrama region by assisting with immediate needs. The nun is caring for the boys by running a dog nursery which provides income and teaches the boys responsibility. To learn more about this fascinating story, read the lead article in the Fall 2007 newsletter.
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