UAC'S Orphaned Teen Scholarship Program
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The social stigma of an "orphan" is a challenge
to overcome in Ukrainian society. The bleak economic reality faced
by a 17 year old being released from an orphanage in even worse. What
do they do? Without help, the scenario is scary. Options include prostitution,
crime, drug abuse, or suicide.With no family or stable support system,
they have little hope. UAC'S Orphaned Teen Scholarship Program is a
unique opportunity to make a dramatic difference in a young person's
life. The kids receiving scholarships all come from orphanages in Odessa
Ukraine where they live and study. The state releases them at the end
of 11th grade. In these troubled times, our program gives them the
only real chance to "make it" in the outside world. The education
they receive within the institutions themselves do not compare to their
local counterparts. All of these students need special preparatory
classes. They also need essentials like clothing, food, basic healthcare,
and ongoing emotional and psychological support. Our program, working
with local staff and medical and educational professionals, can provide
all of this for them. We serve as surrogate parents through their transition
period from the orphanage to the university or vocational schoolthey
attend. UAC'S Orphaned Teen Scholarship Students Program has facilitated
education for more than 100 young people. All of the UAC teen scholarship
participants work as mentors within the orphanages and institutions
to earn their monthly stipend (50 USD). They share their knowledge
and special gifts with the younger children. Our dream is to be able
to support them all of these students throughout their years. We are
constantly searching for funding to reach this goal. The resilience
and determination of these young people is truly inspiring. It is amazing
to see the power having someone else believe in them gives! They have
been given a hard road to travel. They understand the importance of
taking the chance that we give them. These teens are enthusiastic,
motivated, and extremely grateful. Please make their dreams a reality.