Russian Children's Welfare Society, Inc.

Thank you for helping us to bring a smile on over 2,500 children's faces this holiday season! The Solba Orphanage distributed the Christmas presents from RCWS to the kids following the children’s theater performance on the day of Epiphany, celebrated across Russia on January 19th.

Happy Old New Year to those who celebrate! We are happy to share a video from the Yelka celebration at the Department of Pediatrics at the Institute of Rheumatology in Moscow, which took place in late December 2020. To continue our annual tradition, the RCWS provided presents for the little patients who were staying at the hospital during the holidays.

Among the long-term volunteers of the RCWS was Princess Vera Constantinovna of Russia (1906-2001), a great-granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia and the youngest child of Grand Duke Constantine Constantinovich of Russia. Princess Vera was born in Imperial Russia and was a childhood playmate of Nicholas II's younger children. At the age of twelve she escaped revolutionary Russia and spent the rest of her life in exile, first in Europe and in the United States. Upon arriv...ing in the U.S., Vera Constantinovna became involved with several Russian organizations. From 1952 until 1969, Princess Vera was working at the Russian Children's Welfare Society, assisting with day to day activities of the organization. She had a generous heart and was one of the most active volunteers at the RCWS. In late 60s and early 70s, the Petroushka Ball was held under the patronage of H.H. Princess Vera of Russia. Princess Vera Konstantinovna died on January 11, 2001, and was buried in the Novo-Diveevo Cemetery in Nanuet, NY, next to her brother Prince Georgii Konstantinovich. Вечная Память!

We continue to receive pictures, videos and heartwarming letters from the children and organizations that received Christmas presents from the RCWS this holiday season. This photo was taken at the Center Krug located in Moscow. The children, happily posing near the Christmas tree, were adopted by one Russian family and attend classes at the Center. Established in 1989, the Rehabilitation Center Krug provides education, rehabilitation, and recreational programs for childr...en with special needs. Many of the Center’s students were accepted to regular schools, colleges and found gainful employment. Among the Center Krug activities are: Theater Club for children with special needs, rehabilitation therapy, arts and crafts, support groups for parents, master-classes, round table discussions and conferences, summer camps, etc. The Center also provides part-time employment for children with learning disabilities to help them obtain the workplace training necessary to find a job in the future. The Center’s curriculum is practiced at several other organizations in Russia. RCWS has been supporting the Center Krug on-going programs since the year 2000.

Merry Christmas to our Orthodox supporters and friends from the students at the St. Alexis School & Orphanage. С Рождеством Христовым! Желаем вам мира, добра, любви, семейного уюта и благополучия.

Maria Kiseleva, who attends the Pushkin Center in Novomoskovsk, thanks the RCWS supporters for the wonderful annual Yelka celebrations in Moscow and the Christmas presents they received this year. Maria participated in a total of five RCWS Yelka festivities, which usually include a holiday music show for children at one of the top theaters in Moscow and present - Russian chocolates in a colorful tin. Maria keeps a collection of candy tins from the previous RCWS Yelka events. ...In late December 2020, the RCWS team delivered Christmas gifts to 2,586 children from over 20 organizations (orphanages, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools) in Pskov, Yaroslavl, Kislovodsk, Ryazan, Kostroma, Novomoskovsk, Moscow & Moscow region. For most of these children it is the only present they will receive throughout the year. Thank you for helping us to bring the holidays cheer to children in need.

The Orphanage for children with special needs located in Shatura, Moscow region provides 1st to 9th grades education to 180 children with various disabilities. In September 2020, RCWS awarded $7,056 to the Orphanage in Shatura to renovate and upgrade 3 bathrooms, making them more accessible and comfortable for children with special needs, as well as meet the requirements of the Department of Sanitation. Currently there are 20 children with cerebral palsy who use the wheelcha...irs, 20 children with autism and other little residents would benefit from the improved bathrooms facilities. We are happy to report that the bathrooms renovation project has been completed at the Orphanage in Shatura. Video by Lada Yushkevich

On October 22nd, our partners at the Pskov Children’s Fund hosted a meeting for the RCWS new scholarship recipients in Pskov. In 2003, the RCWS Scholarship program was launched in Pskov with only 3 students. In 2020-2021 academic year 48 scholarship recipients from Pskov will receive a monthly stipend from RCWS. During the last 17 years over 100 orphanage graduates from the Pskov region received financial support from RCWS, completed 4-5 years of college education, obtained... their diplomas and found employment. This year’s students reunion meeting took place at the local café Chocolate. Daria Yakovleva, Advisor to Governor of Russia’s Pskov region spoke about the importance of education, shared her career advice, described the benefits of volunteer work. During the meeting the students introduced themselves, learned about the scholarship project, received the RCWS certificates and their stipends, warmly thanking the Society and our donors. Currently, RCWS is supporting 185 students in the Pskov, Yaroslavl, Moscow and the North Caucasus regions.

We are thrilled to announce that 37 new students (majority are orphans) have joined the RCWS Scholarship program this fall. Currently, the RCWS provides monthly scholarships to 185 students in Pskov, Yaroslavl, Moscow and the North Caucasus regions. This summer, 26 RCWS scholarship recipients have graduated colleges and received their diplomas. Our congratulations to the recent graduates and new students who joined the program! We would like to share a story of one of RCWS ne...w scholarship recipients. Elizaveta Kotova, 17 y.o., a social orphan from Pskov region, 1st year student at the Pskov State University majoring in Economic Security. Elizaveta has 2 brothers, her parents lost their parental rights due to alcoholism. In her essay application for RCWS scholarship, Elizaveta wrote: Since 2016, I have been living at the Center for children left without parental care. I was living at home until the age of 13. First, everything was OK, my parents were drinking alcohol only on holidays. Later my father began drinking during the workweek. At some point, my mother started to drink quite often. This is when everything turned to the worse: my father began drinking more often, and my mother started to leave us and not come home for several days. First, our father would stay with us at home, then he started going away as well and we were left alone. Our parents got divorced and drinking became my mother daily routine. This is how my younger brother and I ended up at the orphanage. My older brother was 18 at that time. Now he got custody of my younger brother and they live together. At the Center, I started participating in various sport activities: basketball, volleyball, soccer, ping-pong, exercising at the gym. We also took part in local sport competitions. When I lived at home I attended a sewing workshop and continued improving my sewing skills at the Center. I love reading, especially the paper books, not e-books. I always enjoy going to the library this is my ritual. I love dancing and attended classes at the dance studio, though I enjoy the ballroom dancing the most. At the Center, there is an organization called the Club of Active Kids, where we develop and implement various social projects to improve life at the Center for other kids. This summer, I got accepted in the Pskov State University to study Economic Security. My plan is to graduate, receive a diploma, help my family and those who needs my help. We thank all our major donors and contributors for your on-going support of the RCWS Scholarship program.

Fall celebration festivities and a cooking master class Gifts of Autumn with a professional Chef took place at Solba. The Nikolo-Solbinsky Convent is located in the Dmitrovskaye Village of the Yaroslavl Region. In 2007 the convent opened its first shelter for girls the Solba Orphanage, which is the only facility of this kind in the entire region. It provides girls not only with food, clothes and medical treatment but also with secondary and professional ...education. Currently, 100 abandoned girls (from 6 months to 18 years of age) reside at the Solba Orphanage. The orphanage is located in the woods, providing a healthy environment for the girls as well as the naturally grown food supplied by Solba’s own farm. Solba is the name of the local river, which means живая вода the water of life. The Solba’s mission is to inspire and educate a rising generation of women to be spiritually and physically healthy and contribute to society. In addition to the Orphanage, the Solba currently incorporates the School and College, that have governmental accreditations and being widely admired for the extensive arts programs. Among the students are orphans that reside at Solba and children from low income families from local villages. RCWS has been supporting the Solba Orphanage since 2010. In 2017, RCWS sponsored the embroidery and sewing equipment allowing the Solba College to launch the sewing department. In 2019, RCWS provided funds to Solba towards electricity, gas, art supplies, books, and embroidery equipment including supplies and specialized computer software. The students were trained in the computer-aided design process and are now able to design unique embroidered pieces that they can sell to generate income to support the orphanage. In response to the orphanage SOS request, in early 2020 RCWS provided an emergency assistance ($15,000) to cover Solba’s electricity and heating expenses to avoid the termination of services during winter due to accumulated debt. Among the RCWS Scholarship recipients over 50 students are graduates from the Solba Orphanage.

The Educational Center Big Change was founded in 2002 in Moscow by a group of teachers, inspired by the idea of helping young people raised in the orphanages to successfully integrate into society. Currently, over 80 students are enrolled in the Big Change programs. Teachers prepare a tailor-made curriculum for each student, including communication skills training, speech therapy for youngsters with learning disabilities, tutoring (Math, Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Co...mputer Science, History, Biology, Geography), vocational orientation and assistance with job search. During the last 17 years the Center’s educational programs have helped 573 orphans and children with special needs to pass school exams, be admitted to trade schools or colleges, find housing, get a job and live independently. Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the Big Change experienced an increase in demand for assistance from students and young people who did not know how to cope and adapt to the new post-pandemic reality, isolation, loss of employment, etc. This spring, the teachers at the Center had to run classes remotely and provide psychological support in overcoming stressful situations and adjusting to the new reality. All the consultations, lessons, and traditional meetings were transferred online. However, the opportunity for the students to come to the Center for their face-to-face classes is the most effective way of teaching. Over a year ago, the Government of Moscow granted the Center with an old building built in 1900. This building is very conveniently located and easily accessible for the students, but it was not designed for classes and was not renovated in a very long time. RCWS has been supporting the Center Big Change on-going educational programs since 2004. In 2018, RCWS provided funds towards the Center’s educational programs, professional tutoring and extracurricular activities for 70 students totaling $16,000. In 2019, RCWS awarded $10,000 to replace the 100-year-old facility’s aging fire prevention and alarm systems and to train teachers and students in fire safety techniques. In 2020, RCWS granted $10,076 towards the replacement of wall panels, 14 doors and 120 ceiling lamps, anti-mold treatment and other renovation work at the Big Change new home. In addition to on-going support of the Center’s programs, RCWS provides monthly stipends to 18 students affiliated with the Center Big Change.

Here is a story about another candidate for the RCWS Scholarship. Violetta Kozyreva, 20 y.o., orphan, studying Economics at the Pskov State University, Accounting major. Violetta was born in Velikiye Luki, Pskov region. She lost both of her parents. ... According to Violetta’s counselor at the Pskov University, she is a very strong- willed and determined person. Despite all the difficulties in Violetta’s life, she strives to be happy. Violetta does not run away from her problems, she works hard to resolve them. Violetta is a well-mannered and hard-working young woman, a diligent and inquisitive student, a reliable and sympathetic friend, a kind and strong-spirited person. In her essay application for RCWS scholarship project, Violetta writes: Since childhood I loved mathematics, I liked to count and calculate. Fortunately, I was accepted to study exactly what I dreamed would be my future profession Accounting! It is very important for me to graduate with the Bachelor degree in Accounting. Hope that I will have the opportunity to continue my education and obtain a Master's Degree in Accounting. In my spare time, I like to discover and try new cooking recipes. I like to read about the economic challenges and developments in different countries. When I have free time, I enjoy sitting on a park bench and reading a fascinating novel. In the mornings I often run several kilometres, enjoying the stunning surroundings of such a beautiful historical city as Pskov. My dream is to complete my education and join the workforce as an Accountant. A happy future for me would be to have a roof over my head, a family and a job I love. Why did I decide to participate in the RCWS scholarship program? First, I want to prove to myself that I'm worth something and I can handle the scholarship program requirements. Second, I consider the RCWS scholarship and the stipend to be an excellent motivation to study even harder at university. Let's help Violetta to achieve her dream. To learn more and to make a donation towards the RCWS Scholarship program, please visit our web site. Thank you for your kindness and support!

We continue sharing the stories of new candidates for the RCWS Scholarship. Yaroslav Boikov, 18 y.o., social orphan, 2nd year student at the Pskov State University, History Department, majoring in International political analysis of European Region. Yaroslav was born in a small town of the Pskov region. His mom passed away and his father lost the parental rights. ... In his essay application for the RCWS scholarship program Yaroslav writes: At school I was extremely introverted and not sociable, I had no friends. But at one point, I realized that if I want to achieve great things in life, to live and enjoy every moment, it is necessary to change. With the objective of self-improvement, developing my intellect, and skills of social adaptation, I began to read about those topics, forgot about my insecurities and doubt. Education has become a path for me into the better future. As soon as I realized that I could do more by forgetting the words "not worthy", my life has changed: my grades improved at school, I discovered deep interest in history and made a lot of friends. After graduation, I realized that I want to gain more knowledge and continue my education. I was accepted to the Pskov State University. At school my favorite subject was history and I chose the History Department at the University. Student life gave me a second wind and showed a different way of life. After graduation, I plan to find a job to apply my skills and knowledge, as well as hope to do work that benefits others. About 17 years ago RCWS launched a college scholarship program for disadvantaged children in Russia. During this time, the number of participants has grown from 3 in the 2003-2004 academic year to 174 in 2019-2020. To date, the scholarship program has been very successful in providing a support structure for students as they transition from living in an orphanage to attending a university on their own. The scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, enabling better focus on their studies. Additionally, the students are closely guided by RCWS local representatives and mentors who are always there to listen and provide the necessary support. During the summer 2020, a total of 26 RCWS Scholarship recipients have graduated colleges and received their diplomas. Currently, RCWS team is reviewing new applications to expand the program. To support the students or learn more about the scholarship project, please visit the RCWS web site or contact the office at [email protected] THANK YOU!

Happy Birthday to soprano Anna Netrebko! We wish Anna speedy recovery from COVID-related pneumonia and quick return to stage. Anna Netrebko is an Honorary Director of the Russian Children’s Welfare Society and performed four times at the annual Petroushka Ball.... Soprano Anna Netrebko starring at the Petroushka Ball held in February 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2013 in New York. Appeared by kind permission of the Metropolitan Opera. Photos by Maike Schultz.

Earlier this summer a total of 26 RCWS Scholarship recipients have graduated colleges and received their diplomas. Currently, the RCWS is reviewing the applications from the new candidates to join the program. Here is a story of one of the candidates for the RCWS Scholarship. Maria Smirnova, 19 y.o., orphan, 2nd year student at the Pskov State Medical University. Maria was born in a small town of the Pskov region. Her both parents are deceased. In her essay application for t...he RCWS Scholarship Maria writes: I was born in Velikie Luki, where I went to school and graduated with Honors (a gold medal). For as long as I can remember, I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Why doctor? Since ancient times people studied medicine, still the human body and its ailments are not fully understood. Becoming a doctor will take a lot of work, knowledge, patience, time and effort. I like to think that in the future I will be helping people and saving lives. After graduation, I was accepted to the Pskov State University, School of Medicine. Now I am a 2nd year student. It takes 6 years to complete a medical degree. After graduation, I will be a general practitioner. I plan to choose a specialization, which will take another 2-3 years of study. In my free time, which is very sparse, I enjoy taking dance classes, read books and paint. Doing all this helps me to unwind after a hard day at the university. If approved, I plan to direct the RCWS scholarship for my future training and achieving my dream of becoming a doctor.

The beginning of a new school year is being celebrated not only at regular school but also at orphanages in Russia. On September 1st this week, the children and teachers at the Orphanage in Shatura participated in a celebratory assembly, marking the start of the new academic year. Flowers are traditionally given to teachers, and white ribbons are either worn on clothing or fastened into the hair of schoolgirls. The pupils and teachers assembled to listen to songs and poetry;... congratulatory and inspirational speeches were given by the orphanage director, head teachers and special guests, wishing the students a successful year ahead. At the end of the ceremony, a girl in the first grade together with a boy in his senior year rings a bell, which symbolizes the official start the new school year. The Orphanage of Shatura was established in the 1960s in the Moscow region and currently provides housing and education (1st to 9th grade) to 182 students with special needs. In 2017, RCWS sponsored the installation of 27 new windows in the classrooms and children’s bedrooms in the orphanage. In 2018, RCWS sponsored the replacement of 36 remaining old windows with new, insulated windows, totaling $11,919. Thanks to the new windows the small residents at the Orphanage in Shatura have been living and studying in a much warmer and healthier environment. In 2019, RCWS provided funding in the amount of $15,111 to equip the school at the orphanage with computers and multi-media equipment to help children with special needs to learn and better comprehend information through visual content. Visuals have been found to improve learning by up to 400 percent. We congratulate all the students and teachers at the Orphanage in Shatura with a start of the new school year!

We continue sharing the stories of the RCWS scholarship recipients. Daria Rozit, 21 y.o., social orphan, RCWS scholarship recipient, 2nd year student at the Opochka Industrial and Educational College with a major in "Elementary School Teaching". Daria was born in a small town of the Pskov region. Her both parents are hearing impaired. As a child Daria was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss and was transferred to the Pytalovo Orphanage for Hearing Impaired. ...Continue reading

Bringing history to life for students and cultivating children’s curiosity for learning have been a part of the education process at the St. Alexis School & Orphanage, located in the Yaroslavl region. In celebration of the 300 years anniversary of the Russian Navy and it’s first bylaws, the St. Alexis School organized several remarkable activities for students connected with the history of the Russian Navy - Русскому флоту быть!. Last month, a group of young cadets from t...he School participated in reenactment of the Peter the Great first fleet that was created at the Lake Plescheevo, not far from the St. Alexis community. The costumes and even shoes were made for students using the historical records and illustrations. Most importantly, by participating in this project the cadets plunged into history of their region. Located 140 km north of Moscow, the city of Pereslavl-Zalessky, on the shore of Lake Plescheevo, was founded in 1152 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. In 1688 Tsar Peter the Great started to build a "play fleet" of ships on Lake Plescheevo, which became his first naval training ground. The play fleet was created in 1692 and Peter had them perform a ceremonial review. Those fleet experiences on Lake Plescheevo instilled in Peter a tremendous interest and love of shipbuilding which would lead him to create Russia's first navy later in his reign. RCWS has been supporting the St. Alexis School and Orphanage since 1999. Photos: Preparations and historical reenactment of the Peter the Great first fleet. Young cadets from the St. Alexis School & Orphanage at the Lake Plescheevo.

September 1st is celebrated as the Knowledge Day (День Знаний) when the school year traditionally starts in Russia. In 2020 the new academic year for school children and students began on September 1st, with 14 regions in Russia testing the all-remote or a hybrid model, combining the learning activities on-line and at school. We congratulate all the students and teachers with the beginning of the new academic year. In spite of the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that this school year will be filled with valuable knowledge, new discoveries, meaningful learning experiences, expanding student’s potential and developing lifelong friendships. Photos: School year at the Solba Orphanage for the Girls