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UPDATED OCTOBER, 2007
Pliskave orphanage, Ukraine
In the spring of 2003, a test project was started in Pliskave orphanage, a governmental facility for children with mental and physical disorders in Ukraine.
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A spare room was given, and local ladies were hired to start a learning program for 16 children who had no prior teaching of academics or social skills to speak of. Lessons included hygiene, table manners, crafts, songs, and some simple academics.
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The fall of the same year, we were asked to help with the care of the youngest most venerable of the children in this orphanage, children from 4 - 7 years old with self destructive behavior or inability to walk. Again, given a room to create their own sleeping, eating, and play area, we hired local ladies and by faith began our "Kindergarten care group."
Behaviors of the children and attitudes toward their value soon began to change. Medical and hygiene problems were addressed and the care of the children as well as working conditions in the orphanage improved.
We were given the opportunity to expand our involvement when asked to help repair a building which would give us 5 new rooms for our school.
In February of 2006 Ira Sulym, our administrator of projects in Ukraine, came to Bozeman, MT to share about the needs of Pliskave orphanage at the Grace Bible Church annual mission conference.
Funds raised were twice their goal!
After returnring to Ukraine there was a lot of work ahead
to get the project going.
"It is hard to say what doesn’ t need to be fixed there,
everything your eyes see needs to be either repaired or replaced.
So, for sure lots of work, but I believe with God’s help we will slowly do everything. " Ira Sulim
And indeed God did provide!
Not only with repairing the new school building,
but we were also able to make repairs to the dining room and kitchen.
May 2006
Meriah Cory and Lynnise were in Ukraine for 5 weeks. They hired additional teachers and worked with them assessing potential children for the school/learning program which will increase in number to at least 25 children.
The teachers assessed the children's behavior as well as mental and social skills,
In preparation for taking "school pictures" we noted their self care skills. They all enjoyed washing up, once they realized they were allowed to use the soap!
Outside we evaluated their motor skills in anticipation for the new "sport hall" the new school will have.
June 5th was an informal ceremony to show our appreciation to the employees for their work in making this project a reality.
The new rooms were decorated with balloons and posters describing the accomplishments of the current students.
The orphanage director called in all his workers and began the event with a speech about the importance of the children and the new learning program.
Our partner pastor, Volodomere,
came to bless the occasion and share a few words.
 
A wall display quilted by ladies of Grace Bible church was presented to the director to remind the staff or GBC's continued prayer support.
Then a blue and yellow ribbon was cut
and everyone was invited in to join the children in celebration of
their future school/learning opportunities!
SCHOOL BEGAN FALL OF 2006!
For some of the children, this was their first time to be part of a structured program for learning, stimulation, and social activities.
What's next?
Outside the front doors of the new school sits a vacant lot, uneven and full of rubbish and overgrown with weeds.
A walkway has been installed in anticipation for the wet muddy winter season, and funds are still needed for siding and an awning over the entrance way.
Please pray with us concerning the needed funds to turn this area into a safe and stimulating playground for the children of Pliskave orphanage.
Each month funds are needed for supplies and the salaries of our teachers and caregivers in these programs.
Each month it is a step of faith as we watch God provide through committed sponsors and unexpected donations.
For more pictures visit the June team report page.
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