A volunteering project "Teenager" - "Write Me a Letter" kicked off in Donetsk on 2 September 2009 supported by Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation for Development of Ukraine (FDU) and the City Children Service.

The project offers two ways of communicating with children: 1) personal patronage - targeted assistance to children in orphanages based on their individual needs; and 2) guidance as a type of personal assistance, which sounds alike but differs from personal patronage. Guidance provides for a direct contact with a child and development of his personality.

The first meeting was lively. FDU employees and a group of volunteers first met the children under their care, found out their interests and what they would like to learn from us and teach us. At the first class we did the cross-stitching - both girls and boys. Younger children loved painting in watercolours. The kids were smiling and happy just because somebody talked and listened to them with attention.

When the guests were leaving, the children wouldn't let them go and made everybody promise to come again. We kept our word and came back in a week to bring the new volunteers - men, who played chess and draughts with boys. The guys showed a bigger interest in talking to us. They were less shy and behaved as old friends.

The Project envisages not only interesting joint activities with children, but also a friendly correspondence with them. Each volunteer chooses a child to correspond with. All kids gladly accepted the idea, as in this way they will be able to share things, which they wouldn't tell anyone aloud. Older guys suggested helping youngsters write letters.

This is a pilot project initially designed for three months. If you want to join, please contact us by e-mail: otvet@fdu.org.ua

There are many ways to support children in orphanages and children’s homes. Personal patronage is one of them. Personal patronage is a type of targeted assistance to children from orphanages tailored to their individual needs. Guidance is another type of personal assistance, which sounds alike but differs from personal patronage. Guidance provides for a direct contact with a child and development of his personality.

Patronage falls into two types: "patronage by post" and "visiting patronage" Both types mean attention to children: New Year and birthday presents, regular help (toys, presents, sweets, small souvenirs and probably clothes).

"Patronage by post" is easy as you personally set out the budget and frequency of sending parcels to the child under your care. "Visiting patronage" is, as a rule, a "team game". Several people come together, select a coordinator and distribute children among patrons. The patrons usually discuss the "agenda” of their visit.