Work with Children in Russia

  Russia

• All Other Areas: 
Kaluga

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: any time

Description: Volunteer programme at the Kitezh Children's Community in Kaluga Region, western Russia: Kitezh is a rural village community of foster parents and teachers who take children from orphanages and raise and educate them along with their own children. Kitezh is an entirely child-centred, therapeutic education community. On 100 hectares of land it has a number of wooden houses, a school, a church and a farm, with natural woodlands and a lake nearby. Volunteers live with a family, teach English to children and take part in the daily working and social life of the community.

Highlights: At Kitezh, Russia: I learned to be brave and not give up! I learned to live without a phone! I learned what it is to be open and to share everything with everyone else. The generosity I encountered was a wonderful contrast to the materialistic mentality of the UK. Russia is perceived in the west as a cold, unwelcoming place. Kitezh doesn't conform to that stereotype. Finally, I learned to really communicate in Russian!

By the time I left I really felt at home, I felt I knew the people and knew my way around. The children are great and give so much, in little things, in unexpected moments, that's very valuable. The place and the nature is beautiful. I liked very much to witness the winter slowly changing into spring.

Qualifications: Minimum age 18. Most volunteers are 18-30, occasionally older. No special skills are needed though any of the following would be useful at Kitezh:

Some knowledge of Russian and/or the desire to learn, TEFL or experience teaching English, experience working with children (sports, arts and crafts, music, drama), building, cooking and gardening. An interest in children and a willingness to adapt to a different culture and to participate fully in the life of the community are essential.

Cost in US$: $1,370 for 2 months

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Often but not exclusively gap-year young people, Russian language students

Age Range: 18-45

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Russia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Ecologia Youth Trust's Mission Statement: Ecologia Youth Trust offers volunteer opportunities at Kitezh Children's Community in Russia. We promote the welfare of young people by providing safe secure learning environments in which they can discover and develop their potential to make a contribution to their communities while safeguarding the environment.

Year Founded: 1995