Pyatyorka Orphanage:
New hope amid wholesale renovations

History

The Lenin Region Orphanage, known as the Pyatyorka, is the most recent to be established in Yaroslavl. Founded in June, 1998, in one of two tired old buildings belonging to a former kindergarten, the Pyatyorka opened with just three children. Three months later, the population had swelled to 25 residents. Now, 45 boys and girls call Pyatyorka home.

Money was particularly scarce in 1998 because of the devaluation of the rouble; consequently, all furniture and clothes, whatever the staff could gather, were donated by the poor people of this depressed area of the city. Only recently have newer materials begun making their way to the orphanage.

The children and staff at Pyatyorka

Two buildings at Pyatyorka hold 45 boys and girls, ages 7-17. Half of the children have been diagnosed with "delayed psychological development," 70% struggle with normal social behavior, and an amazing 90% show an elevated propensity for conflict, aggression and foul language. Physically, almost all the children exhibit delayed physical development (such as stunted growth and low weight), various drug dependencies and painful illnesses such as ulcers.

An extraordinary staff of dedicated professionals have joined to transform their dilapidated building into a warm and caring home for needy children. Director Elena Kuznetsova is an experienced, pioneering educator with a huge heart and a grasp of the needs of the children in her care.

A fascinating and detailed report on the Pyatyorka children was written by Svetlana Bayumova, former assistant director of the orphanage and current vice president of YARBOO, FRO's partner in Yaroslavl. (Read the report) The report covers the methods by which a child is introduced and integrated into the Pyatyorka community.

FRO's work at Pyatyorka Orphanage

FRO founders Sam and Betsey Harding volunteered in this orphanage in late 2001 and were inspired to create Friends of Russian Orphans. Their first goal was to join with the city in completely renovating Pyatyorka's condemned building, a process that was completed in 2004. (Click here for details on this project.) More work continues to refurbish another structure so it can house vocational classrooms and activity areas.

YARBOO Friends of Russian Orphans is currently headquartered in Pyatyorka, where it is now running Svetlana Bayumova's pilot post-orphanage support program for 10 past and future graduates.

In addition to the orphanage renovation project, FRO has assisted Pyatyorka in filling the orphanage's smaller daily needs. Pyatyorka's participation in the YARBOO Advisory Council has provided items such as textbooks, medications, athletic equipment, art supplies and a washing machine.

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