What Exactly Does Interlink Do? - Youth Impact

Posted by Beth Turnock, Interim Director

It's the young child's face you see when you first enter the orphanage that captures your heart.  The child's face often reflects uncertainty and caution as he or she inwardly evaluates whether or not you too will be one of those people who offer a glimmer of hope which later ends in disappointment.  Those coming on short-term delegations, sponsors and our staff in-country often wonder what kind of future these kids will have.  How do you transition from an institution where you live in family groups and where your basic needs are, for the most part, adequately met to being on your own having to make life decisions?  I think back to when I graduated from High School and went on to a small private university.  Even with my parents offering advice, helping me with finances and guiding me through the maze of life decisions, I still found it to be frightening and intimidating.  At least I knew that if I failed, I had a home to return to.  Graduation day for these kids is often filled with anxiety and fear for when they step off the orphanage grounds for the last time they know that they are pretty much on their own. 
 
Each year we see at least 75 kids between ages of 15 and 18 graduate from local orphanages.  Usually the 15-years-old have completed 9th grade and go on to a trade school where room and board is provided.  Older kids if they are fortunate enough to have good grades may be awarded a scholarship to attend a university.  Others may find themselves out on the street, turning to whoever might give them a place to sleep.  These are the forgotten kids, the ones most likely to turn to drugs, alcohol, stealing or prostitution.  Gone is the look of caution or curiosity and often the faces look empty, hardened by the years of disappointments. 
 
This last year we felt that something needed to be done to make a difference in the lives of these kids and so a team of us got together and the Youth Impact program was born.  Geared towards meeting the needs of these kids, the curriculum covers important life skills like setting goals, overcoming obstacles, dealing with feelings, health & nutrition, managing money, having a family, morals and spirituality.  Those completing the life skills portion will go on to employment training and gain some practical experience at local businesses.  Our long-term goal is to have several apartments where kids can practice these skills under the guidance of a mentor.  The success of this program will be because of the caring staff working with these young people and the donations made by generous supporters whose lives have been touched by these youth who will no longer be forgotten.