Today there are more orphans and street children in Russia than immediately following WWII. More than 260,000 Russian children live in institutions, and many more are on the streets. In Saint Petersburg alone there are over 100 orphanages.
In orphanages, children suffer from depression, stunted growth, and slow mental development. They often lack a sense of permanency and rarely have long-term relationships with loving adults. After graduating from orphanages, sixty percent of girls become prostitutes, seventy percent of boys end up in prison, and one in ten commits suicide.
MIR serves orphans in several ways: throughout the year we help short-term teams minister in over twenty orphanages; we provide many kinds of humanitarian aid; and our staff and volunteers are working in orphanages on a daily basis.
Our priority is to build relationships -- to let orphans know they they are loved, and to continue the relationships that have been built over the years.
Our service is to the hearts, minds, and bodies of these children.
To see more scenes from a typical orphanage ministry, please click the PHOTO GALLERY button.
Today there are more orphans and street children in Russia than immediately following WWII. More than 260,000 Russian children live in institutions, and many more are on the streets. In Saint Petersburg alone there are over 100 orphanages.
