Courses
Teaching by example
Kids from vulnerable backgrounds are often left to work out the world for themselves, with no one at home or in school to guide them along the difficult path to adulthood.
Our courses teach children and teenagers to think for themselves, and provide them with the information to make better decisions about their lives.
Our staff and volunteers are often the only positive role models these kids have, and soon build up a level of trust with them. We listen to their problems and help them to find positive solutions.
The courses help the participants to look at life in a different way, discover their own potential and take responsibility for the decisions they make.
“When Mikhail started the Independent Living Course he wasn’t studying or working. He had dropped out of school, and could not hold down a job, saying work was ‘boring’. At first he was closed and skeptical, but he was soon an active member of our group - arguing his points of view, articulating his thoughts, and displaying real leadership qualities. He has now got a job and is planning to go back to school in September.”
Lena, course leader
“The course helped me become more responsible, and to respect other people. I can now both get my point of view across and understand other people’s opinions. My relationship with my family has got much better since I started the course and my behavior has improved. I’m also more confident when I meet new people.”
Mikhail (19)
What the kids say…
“I don’t like school, at home mum shouts at me, there’s nothing to do on the street and there’s no one to hang out with in the yard. I come here and it’s fun! We learn new things, play football and even go to the rollercoasters in the park sometimes.”
Sasha (14)
“I came to the centre for the first time two years ago. I like the people here, that I can talk to them. I like helping to make tea and talking to the little kids. I like the atmosphere and most of all I like the way I am here.”
Olga (15)
“I thought the centre would be really boring, that I wouldn’t like it. I came and after the first day changed my mind! The center is great! You can do lots of different things - learn English, do handicrafts… The staff explain things and repeat things if we don’t understand. It’s not like in school. I have learnt about health and about studying. I go to the kids meetings and take part in them. We learn how to do things by ourselves”
Anna (11)