A region with increasing poverty
The second Russian location where SOS Children's Villages started working is the village of Oryol-Lavrovo (previously known as SOS Children’s Village Lavrovo), approximately seven kilometres away from the city of Oryol. Lavrovo lies in the heart of Russia, about 350 kilometres south of Moscow, the country's capital.
There are around 3,500 people living in Lavrovo, they survive mostly on agriculture. Light industries, engineering and metallurgy also provide employment. It remains, however, a poor region with high unemployment rates.
The increase in poverty and homelessness on the one hand, and cuts in the health budget on the other, have led to a growing number of cases of tuberculosis. In 1990, 44.4 out of 100,000 people suffered from the illness – this figure had increased to 77.1 out of 100,000 by 2001. This alarming trend led international agencies, in collaboration with the local authorities, to start a project providing social and nutritional aid to those suffering from tuberculosis. In addition to needing medical treatment, it was clear that the people who attended the clinic were also in need of food parcels so that they could have enough to eat.
In recent years, there have been several cases of corruption in the city of Oryol. In addition, a criminal group was found to be operating a prostitution ring which included children.
SOS Children's Villages responds to children's needs in the area
The decision to start working in Lavrovo was motivated by the results of previous studies which highlighted the impoverished living conditions in the town of Oryol. In addition, many children and young people in the region are still suffering from the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, which happened in the Ukraine in 1986.
What we do in Oryol-Lavrovo
SOS Children's Villages supports families, young people and children in this deprived area.
Strengthen families: The SOS Social Centre has been supporting people in the neighbourhood since 2009. We work with local organisations and communities to support vulnerable families so that they can stay together. We ensure that they have access to basic goods and services such as health care and education.
Care in families: When children lose parental care they can move into an SOS family where they are cared for by SOS parents. We also have SOS foster families who are living in the village – these families take part in all aspects of life in the village. SOS Children’s Villages provides support to these families, and co-funds them along with the Russian state. The children attend the nearby kindergartens and schools, and take part in local activities.
Children can spend time outside with their friends in the playground. In addition there is a community centre where workshops and support activities can be organised for people who live nearby.
Support for young people: Since 2001, young adults who are ready to leave their SOS families have been able to move into a special programme. They are supported while they complete their vocational training or higher education and prepare themselves for an independent life. For example, our organisation works with the city's employment services and organises visits to different companies in the city.