Moscow

After experiencing rapid and difficult changes in economic, political and social systems in the 1990-s, the Russian government’s main goal was to keep the country standing. Politicians concentrated on federal projects, while more and more children found themselves on the streets with no one to give them a home, due to bureaucratic and costly adoption process.

Neglect of social problems led to having nearly a million orphans in Russia. UNICEF estimates 85% of these children to be social orphans, meaning that they have at least one parent who has given them up to the state. In 2008, parental rights were revoked from approximately 70,000 citizens. In 2009, this number increased to 81,000.

The unique SEL program SFK offers  is desperately needed in every corner of Russia, as thousands of children have no one to team them the essential social and emotional knowledge they need. Pilot SFK classes in Moscow were held in 2008 and since then we have taught Level 1 in 8 different locations, reaching almost 400 kids. We have a small, but devoted team of professional, enthusiastic and open-minded people striving to make a difference. And we will continue working towards the ultimate goal – give Russian kids from all walks of life an opportunity to improve their lives by learning SFK.