Problems that Children Living in Orphage Endure

Do the children in an orphanage feel special or unique, or just unwanted? Do they have the privilege of having someone to talk to when needing advice or to discuss the turmoil within their own hearts? Are these children taught right from wrong or discipline? Are they given the chance to find out who they truly are, or are the forced to grow up and care for the ones around them, leaving them with limited childhood memories or carefree times. In Russia children in orphanages may never experience a typical home life as a child.

Nadezhda Vladimirovna Prisiazhnaia, a graduate student from State University of the Humanities states, “in Russia over 800, 000 orphans and children are deprived of parental care; 260,000 are living and being taught in more than 4,000 state boarding institutions.” According to Prisiazhnaia, 92 percent of the population does recognize the problems orphans are facing, yet they are still not putting forth any effort to help or solve the issues. Forty percent of Russian citizens disagree and think that relatives should step up and take care of the children. Thirty-eight percent think civic organizations should take care of it, and 29 percent believe that everyone in the country should help and take responsibility for the children. The graduates from the orphanages have often received limited experience and education for stepping out in the real world by themselves.

Living in an orphanage limits the children’s ability to gain much social experience, making it difficult when entering the world after turning eighteen (Prisiazhnaia). During a survey of 245 students after boarding school, 56 percent were living on their own and 54 percent had adapted to the new life and were taking care of themselves. A little over h...

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... they make are. Such as: the choice of continuing with an education and receiving a degree, the importance of getting a job and supporting for one’s self or a future family is when they are out on their own, and so much more. The home setting will allow the child to feel less alone and they will know someone is there to guide them, listen, and help with any problems or concerns they might have.

The children would benefit immensely within this new way of living. When putting the children within homes as opposed to large rooms, the children are given more responsibility and understanding of the real world. These children long for affection and attention, looking for someone to help guide them in the right direction. By making these changes to the lifestyle in orphanages, better assistance can be fulfilled for these children in need. Making a difference can be done.