Orphans in Ukraine raising their hands for help. A survey of their biggest fears when leaving a life at an orphanage.

What are children afraid of when they graduate from the orphanage?

76% of children are afraid to leave their institution

70 % believe that they will not be able to get a good education and obtain the profession of their dream

52 % are afraid that they will not have a place to live

54 % are afraid that they will not have enough money for transport, food, and other necessities.

50% think that they will not be able to find a job

30% are afraid that they will remain alone and have no support

27% are afraid they will succumb to bad influences

26% are afraid of the negative attitudes towards themselves in comparison to “home” children

10% are afraid to live with strangers (even if they are their relatives)

18% have no clue what it is to live independently

Abadoment of children is a serious problem in the Ukraine. Substance abuse, alcoholism, prostitution and financial hardships are some of the reasons parents leave their children on the steps of orphanages. Low incomes and lack of jobs makes supporting a family difficult often leading to neglect.

Meet Alex - the newest addition to the Alfa-Nik orphanage. He is 12 years old and was given up by his family, as they are too poor to look after him. Alex has been at the orphanage for 1 month and has a very limited education, poor health and needs lots of love and care.

This was Alex's bedroom. Sadly, this is the story of many social orphans, who live in dire conditions before they are given up.

All children have hopes and dreams. Children living in poverty are the least likely to realize their potential.
Alfa-Nik is working hard at changing the outcome for the most desperate of these children and has recently opened a pre-school on the orphanage grounds.

Different to other Ukraine orphanages, we nurture our children in a family based environment, involving them in all aspects of family life. This prepares them for life within their adoptive families and improves self-esteem.

Meet Pr Eugene, Alfa-Nik’s Managing Director. He is the man the children call Dad! He loves to get the kids involved in fun activities so they can see and do new things, as it develops their confidence.

To meet government regulations, we are currently constructing a cafeteria for the pre-school. We have knocked some walls down to make a bigger space and started work on the underfloor heating and plumbing.
The majority of our workers volunteer their time, skills and energy for this worthy cause

Many of you have asked what the needs are for the children home in Ukraine. I have posted a graph showing where we stand financially. I appreciate your prayers and want to thank those again for helping to finish up several major projects. Please consider helping finish up these additional priority projects with me. Who will join me in giving sacrificially from this years income tax return? Please comment with any matching challenges! You can give online at http://www.alfa-nik.com/