Each year, more than 120,000 new children are admitted to orphanages in Russia.

Economic and moral life is down in the former Soviet Union. Alcohol is destroying many families and the most vulnerable are the children. As a result, thousands of families make the unfathomable decision to abandon or give their children to poor houses and children's homes, just to save their lives.

Mention the noun "orphan" in the United States and American adults envision an extraordinary child who lost parents through some heartrending event. Mention orphan in Russia and a Russian adult personally knows children consigned to a state-run orphanage. Why? A mother/father unable or unwilling to care for their child/children often leave their Podkidysh* (*translated-one that is left at the door) children are literally left at the orphanage entrance. Survival is a way of life for these children. They go to sleep without hope.

(from www.russianmissions.org)

Children of Chernobyl Orphan Sponsorship Program

While Children of Chernobyl NC has focused primarily on respite programs, we are currently establishing new initiatives to help the children of Belarus. A team of six traveled to Belarus in May of 2005 to finalize details of an orphan sponsorship program.

This program will allow people from all over the country to sponsor orphans at the Rudensk orphanage near Minsk. The cost will be $20 per month, and will provide financial support for the orphanage. In addition, you will be able to correspond with your "child", send gifts, and express your love for them. We have found that their greatest need is the need to feel that they matter to someone. We believe that the sponsorship program allows you to develop a relationship with someone one-on-one, and gives you the ability to share your love for a child who otherwise would have no one to care for them as an individual.

Each child will only be assigned to ONE sponsoring person or family, so you will have the chance to form a relationship and bond with your child.

In July of 2008, Children of Chernobyl spun off a new organization called "Show God's Love", which will focus on orphan sponsorship in Belarus and other countries.   

To view the list of available children who need sponsors, or to find out more about this program -- click here.