The conditions at these orphanages are difficult for both the orphans and the workers. The staff pay at the orphanage is very low, usually less than $10.00 a month. For this and other reasons, It is considered a job of "last resort." As is the case with most orphanages throughout the CIS, the government simply does not have enough money to supply all the neccesities.

Ivanovka Hospital Orphanage

Ivanovka is about 20 km from Tokmak in northern Kyrgyzstan. There are approximately 85 children aged 4 to 15 in this institution, although this number fluctuates. This orphanage is called a "centre for psychological treatment of children." Although many of the children do come with "psychological problems" of one kind or another, many simply have physical problems.

In the summer of 2000, two Canadian mission teams went to this orphanage and spent both their time and money renovating the second floor. Crumbling walls, rotting floors and window sills were repaired and new electrical wiring and light fixtures were installed. a beautiful outdoor playground was built. This playground is so colorful and appealing that now the neighborhood children beg to be let in to play on the new equipment. Unfortunately the buildings are constantly in need of repair becasue of the poor quality of materials used in the original construction.

Red River

Red River, or Krasni Rechka is also near Tokmak. The orphanage in this village houses orphaned or abandoned children age 5 to 16. This is a very large orphanage with about 190 children. There are about 10 buildings on the grounds. They are used for school rooms, dining facilities, and dormitories. When we first visited Red River, the buildings were in dire need of repair and their equipment was over 50 years old.

In a meeting with the the assistant director, we learned that the government only provides the bare minimum for survival: food, basic medicine and staff salaries. The daily allotment is not even enough to provide healthy diets and does not pay for other neccesities such as sanitary products,shoes, gasoline for picking up food, repairs to equipment, or any needed renovations.
Dom Ribionic
The Tokmak baby orphanage generally runs at, or over, peak capacity. The buildings there are in very poor condition, and the equipment is old, substandard, and badly in need of repair. As the orphanage houses nearly 100 babies and toddlers, there is constant need for new material for diapers, blankets, clothing and laundry supplies. Because of a lack of money for proper food and vitamins, the babies are often sick and in need of antibiotics and other medicines.
Workers in Kyrgyzstan
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