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Set in the peaceful Kaluga countryside, Kitezh & Orion Children's Communities are home to Russian foster families committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment, and an innovative therapeutic educational programme, for orphaned and abandoned children.
Since 1995, the two communities have also hosted over 360 volunteers from the UK and other countries. Living with Russian families and interacting on a daily basis with children and community members, our volunteers are encouraged to speak Russian as much as possible, whilst using their individual skills and talents to enrich the lives of the children.
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Many of our volunteers return again and again - here is what a few have had to say:
"You get what you put in, if you make the effort to talk to people, they'll more than happily invite you round for tea and converse - which helped develop my confidence in spoken Russian. Talking and playing with the children, obviously, really helps develop vocabulary!"
Eleanor Wong, Bath University, Volunteer at Orion 2018
"Orion is a completely unique experience, in which you are able to submerge yourself in Russian culture. You will learn so much about working with children, language, self-sufficiency and living in a community. Be open and ready to join in with new ideas and experiences, and be friendly because the children there are some of the funniest and most interesting you will ever meet"
Hannah Rogerson Edinburgh University, Volunteer at Orion 2017
"I had a really great experience at Kitezh. The help with preparations leading up to the trip was fantastic and once I got there I was made to feel very welcome. My Russian has vastly improved, thanks to living with a family and playing with children who speak very quickly! I have learned about Russian family life and culture, and about the lives of young Russians in a unique way that is not possible to learn about simply by staying in Moscow for a while. Kitezh is a unique and very special place - I would recommend it to anyone!"
Sophie Roberts, Durham University, Volunteer at Kitezh, Summer 2016
“I gained some long lasting friendships! And I got to understand rural Russian life. My language skills improved for sure. Through living with and getting on with local people every day, my perception of Russia became more comprehensive.” Qiyang Niu, Yale University, Volunteer at Kitezh, 2016
"A big thanks to Ecologia for the seemingly effortless way they helped oil the gears of the great visa, flights and co-ordination machine that would have otherwise swamped me. Their cheer and politeness has not gone unnoticed."
Ed Hatfield, 19, Volunteer at Kitezh, Summer 2016
About Us
ECOLOGIA YOUTH TRUST was established as a Scottish charity (SC023796) in 1995. We currently support projects that work with disadvantaged and marginalised children and youth in Russia, Kenya, Uganda, and Scotland, and have over 20 years experience of running a successful volunteers' programme in Russia.
What You Can Expect
Our programme is less expensive than those of other organisations and, according to our volunteers, more rewarding than other study abroad programmes. Daily immersion in Russian language, speaking with children and adults, has remarkable results.
We will provide you with:
- A placement in an established Russian organisation with experienced UK backup.
- Reliable support with visas, travel, and transfers to and from Moscow airport.
- Extensive pre-departure preparation and contact with previous volunteers.
- Accommodation, meals and in-country support.
- Ongoing support on your return so you can stay involved and maximise the impact of your experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to Kitezh or Orion soon!
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P.S. Please share this opportunity with anyone else you think might be interested, using the links below. Thank you!
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