Marina Gordeyeva, the chairman of the Fund of Support for Children in a Difficult Situation, told VK about the need to help children in the North Caucasus.
- In the North Caucasus the situation is similar to the situation in the whole country. There are large numbers of orphans here, though figures are lower than the average for Russia. There are fewer orphans, but globalization is underway everywhere, and the North Caucasus began being involved in these processes. We can happily say that the number of orphans is small, but we should think about the future.
As for disabled children, this theme is acute for the region, as well as the theme of juveniles. Our Fund is sponsored by the state and provides grants. We support programs and projects implemented in local residential areas. I’m glad to say that applications from the republics of the North Caucasus are numerous, and cooperation between this region and the Fund is extending.
From the very beginning North Ossetia cooperates actively with us. Today Chechnya is fulfilling two programs. Kabardino-Balkaria participates too. As for non-governmental organizations, they have sent applications, but in several cases projects were unsuccessful, but social activity is high. The North Caucasus is a territory, where examples of specific, but modern social working exit, and they could be interesting for other territories.
- Is it true there are few orphan homes in the North Caucasus?
- Yes, but it doesn’t mean that there are no orphans. There is a different system of children settlement – through relatives, and it is very good. However, orphanages exist, and new ones are being built. Probably there will be more of them. At the moment the authorities of our country are coming to the idea that orphans shouldn’t live in residential schools. Not because people are cruel there or conditions are uncomfortable, but because an atmosphere of life in big groups doesn’t provide a child with the skill of living an independent life. You remember Suvorov said “train hard, fight easy.” Childhood in a residential school is easier than in a family, but children grown up in families are more successful in life in the future. I hope that the North Caucasus will avoid this. The general policy of working with orphans presupposes priority of the family.
- Are there any special funds of support for children who have suffered in terrorist attacks?
- There are many different funds and organizations in the country. Such funds exist too. Mostly they are non-profitable. We differ from them, as we were founded by the state. Our organization tries to fill the niche of development of infrastructure, working in the territories. But we pay great attention to the activity of charitable organizations, some of them get grants from our Fund.
