Observations from my most recent visit to the Republic of Mari-El, Russia.

In August of 2005 I spent 3 weeks in Russia, most of the time in and around the city of Yoshkar-Ola. I was able to take the time to visit the seven institutions we have been assisting there.  In general over the past few years the condition of some orphanages has improved. Unfortunately this is not so much to do with the funding by the government but more to do with other methods of getting money. As the economy has improved slightly, they have adopted a western technique of seeking business sponsors. Not surprisingly the most successful at this has been the Baby Home. Naturally, it is hard to resist an appeal directed at infants and toddlers.  The director said that in the past year she had 3 business’ help. August was the 10 year anniversary of the creation of the Warm House Orphanage. This is basically a receiving center for children just entering the orphanage system. They spend 6-12 months there getting acclimated to the system, updated on medical requirements and evaluated and sent to one of the 27 Children’s Homes in the Republic of Mari-El. To celebrate this, Warm House put on an event at a local theater. The children from the orphanage provided most of the entertainment.  Ten sponsors were asked to donate $50 to cover the cost. At the event, during breaks from the entertainment, each sponsor got up on the stage and gave a small speech and presented a gift. Orphans of Mari-El fund participated as a sponsor and also donated $150 of school supplies.  The Children’s Home of Yoshkar-Ola and Sovetski Children's Home each had one business sponsor in the past year. However, the Director of Savinski School for the Blind told me that twice she watched on Television as business owners  pledged sponsorship, one in the amount of 30,000 rubles ($1,100) and one for 40,000 rubles ($1,400) and  in both instances the money never arrived! The men were only looking for publicity at their expense. If you, as an individual or business, would like to sponsor an orphanage please contact us and we will be glad to assist in setting this up. Sponsor information

The orphanages that need the most help are the least able to receive it.

In Russia, dealing with the problems of mental health and physical disabilities is best described as “Out of sight, out of mind” The institutions are put in remote areas and pretty much forgotten about. Such is the case with the Savinski Boarding School for Blind Children, Savinski Home for Crippled Children and Semenovskya Correctional Boarding School.  The first parts of their names are taken from the district of the city where they are located. The Savinski Homes are in the Savino District and Semenovskya is in the Semenovka district. A look at the City Map shows these areas to be at the farthest city limit and just beyond these buildings is open countryside. The Semenovskya Correctional School is also across the street from the Mental Asylum. Both the Savinski Homes receive a small stipend for each child because of their disabilities. However, mental health is not considered a disability and the Semenovskya Correctional School receives no stipend. In addition they operate with less than half of budgeted money made available to them. They manage to keep some areas looking decent by painting but the overall condition of the 50 year old building and furnishings is deplorable. They are in dire need of help well beyond the scope of providing gifts for children at Christmas time.  

You may make donations using your Credit Card, ATM Card or Checking Account

You may mail contributions.

Please make checks payable to Orphans of Mari-El Fund

Orphans of Mari-El Fund
1652 North Main St., Palmer, MA 01069-1013
Phone 413 668-2048
e-mail information@orphansofmari-el.org

Goal $6,000