Page 126 - Book about Friendship and Future.Stories of Volunteers.

Inna Mamedalina

KFC Voskhod
Leader of the Charity Program “Generation Choice” in Yaroslavl

Once I read an article in the KFC corporate newspaper telling
about the games held for the orphans in Ufa. I had heard about it
before but the article made me start thinking: I could do some-
thing kind for such kids, share some warmth with them. I decided
to join the program.
During a special training I was explained the essence of the
charity program “Generation Choice”, and understood that it
was really great to deliver career guidance in a game format.
The first activity “Introduction” went great. It was so rich in
emotions and got us so much closer with the kids, that it seemed
we had known each other for long, so that we did not want to
say good-bye!
The next meeting was held beyond the program – we invited
the kids to watch the game of our basketball team “Hope”. We
welcomed every meeting. The girls presented me with some
handmade souvenirs.
We came to see the kids in the orphanage, talking to them,
having tea with cakes, playing board games, looking at the prizes
of the kids and the articles they created at their handicraft les-
sons.
In the middle of the academic year I noticed that one boy was
always trying to be close to me. I have noticed that he is very
open, communicating, active, social, offering his help and assist-
ing the volunteers.
I had a thought – what if I could give more to this kid? Then
I learnt a little more about the mentorship and graduated the fos-
ter parents’ school. When I offered him my mentorship, he said,
“I will think it over”, and in a minute he already agreed!
At the moment we are great friends, I have been visiting him
beyond the program, wishing to provide him with knowledge
and skills necessary for independent living. He tells me how he
is doing with his studies, about his successes and achievements.
And besides, I have submitted the pile of documents and am
waiting for response from the Department of Children and Family
Services and the orphanage.
If everyone had thought about the children who need our sup-
port, the kids’ world would have been much happier and kinder!