Veterans’ Day

Posted by Olya Cherevko, Youth Impact Manager

In Kazakhstan, May 9^th is Victory Day of the Great Patriotic War (war fought by the Soviet Union as part of World War II).

To honor the veterans of that war Interlink staff and some orphanage graduates who participate in Youth Impact program visited 14 veterans and brought them food packages.

It was a touching moment to see youth presenting gifts, saying good wishes with love and respect to veterans. One of the veterans, an old lady, met us with tears in her eyes. When we asked her why she was crying she said that she had fallen recently. It grieved her that she was so old and weak and could not do many things any longer. It hurt to see her crying. One of the girls began crying too. All the girls surrounded her with their hugs just to share her sadness. The old lady hugged them and didn’t want them to leave.

Another veteran showed us his portrait where he was young. What surprised us was that he was still active and cheerful. He was so hospitable and wanted us to take a photo with us.

Container Work Day

Posted by Bethany Planton, Kids Connection Stateside Coordinator

On Saturday, May 2, we had a packing day for the shipping container (more info).  Approximately 25 people came to help us organize and pack the donated items. It was a HUGE success! Thank you to all the volunteers that gave of your time and helped us. We could not have done it without you.

Some of the wonderful people who helped:

Everyone working:




Trailer with all the packed boxes:

If you would like more information about this project and how you can help, please email Bethany.

Men’s Day in Kazakhstan

Posted by Ken

One of the nice things about Kazakhstan is they celebrate Men’s Day. Not “Fathers Day” which only applies to dads.

Because there are so many orphans we support we can not do a lot in the way of gifting but try to get them something they’ll all enjoy. So this year we decided to get sunglasses. This is an adventure in and of itself as purchasing 230 sunglasses can be challenging, however Kiikzhan and I found a vendor who gave us really good prices.

The guys loved the sunglasses and had fun choosing a size that fit them. They wore them instantly, even in the evenings while in doors. They are also kind enough to lend them to the girls to wear for a time. The picture of young children are from Saramoldaeva and the older children are from the Savva orphanage in Merke.

Friday we will treat the Saramoldaeva guys to a dinner and a movie. Since we only sponsor 3 groups at Saramoldaeva we like to do something a little special with them.

Thanks again for all your support. Even a small gift like sunglasses bring a little joy in the lives of our children here and they greatly appreciate it.

Future of Orphanage Graduates

On April 8th we hosted a forum at Interlink office and invited directors of all the orphanages we’re working with, vice-director of vocational school, directors of the Department of Education and the Committee on the Protection of Children’s Rights. The goal of the meeting was to address the needs and problems of youth graduating from orphanages and how we all can work together to help make their transition easier.

After the Youth Impact program presentation we had two program participants share what they’ve gained from the program and their plans for future. They told how the program helped them when they just left the orphanage and all the difficulties they faced, and decisions they had to make on their own.

Then all the orphanage directors and directors of the Department of Education and the Committee on the Protection of Children’s Rights expressed their interest in the program and made some suggestions. Normally we start teaching life skills classes after the kids leave the orphanage and go to a vocational school but one of the orphanage directors suggested to start the program a year or two before the kids leave the orphanage. It was also suggested to have a business course for the graduates who want to start their own business.

HIV/AIDS seminar at Ulan

Youth Impact Program had a training for Ulan older youth. There were 15 boys and girls who really enjoyed the training and at the end we asked them what other topics they would be interested in. Most of them said, “dating relationships” and “preparation for college”. Next week we will talk to them about choosing the right relationships. We will also bring the books that will help kids leaving the orphanage this summer prepare for college exams.