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Disturbing Facts
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There are over 1 million children living in
institutions in Russia today. (Many believe this number to be closer to 2 –
3 million.)
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An addition of approximately 1.5 – 3 million are living on the
streets.
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The situation for orphan children and
children at risk is becoming worse and the number of these kids entering
into the orphanage is on the rise.
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Survival statistics for orphans once they
leave the orphanages are abysmal. Many directors, as well as officials in
the department of Education for St Petersburg, claim that only around 10 –
20% of orphans "survive" within a few years of leaving the orphanages. By
"survive" they meant not becoming a drug addict, a prostitute, a homeless
person, or put in prison after they leave the orphanage.
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According to the Russian Procuracy General,
around 15,000 orphans "graduate" from the orphanages every year. Within a
few years of graduation, of the 15,000 graduates, 30% will be unemployed,
35% will be homeless, 20% will have criminal records, and 10% will commit
suicide.
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As the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Russia explodes
(AIDS in Russia is growing faster than in any other country in the world),
orphans become an increasingly at-risk group.
We are especially concerned for the young
teenager who is in the transition period of leaving the orphanage to enter
into the real Russian world - often times, a world without hope for the
Russian orphan. These children are often considered outcasts in their
society, with little hope for further education or a secure job. Many
times children are forced to leave the orphanage as early as age 15 due to
overcrowded facilities.
"After interviewing and surveying numerous orphans, I have concluded that
they all, regardless of level of physical surrounding, feel unloved, alone,
isolated, and without hope for their future. These orphans lack a will to
survive. A true relationship with Jesus Christ gives hope for the future and
security that they are not alone."
Cristi Hillis "Co Mission
for Children at Risk".
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