Rebirth is the only NGO working with street children in Dniprodzerzhinsk. Over 600 children have been reached in its history, and currently there is contact with 200 children.

The project aims to reach the must vulnerable and disadvantaged children whether living on the streets or in extreme poverty at home.

Originally, children were met through a mobile soup kitchen provided daily. Without this they would go hungry and become ill. The purpose of this was not only to provide food but to show these children love. But as the program continued the need for change became extremely apparent.

ChildAid supporters funded the purchase and refurbishment of an apartment which is now the centre of Rebirth’s activities. Here the children can come on a daily basis to receive food, assistance with education, clean clothes and the opportunity to have a warm shower.

Children who live in such deprived, and abused, conditions are most likely to be traumatised. Rebirth offers the opportunity to talk with a professional counsellor, and in addition they can have free access to a lawyer to resolve paperwork issues or any other disputes.

Through ChildAid’s “abandoned babies” fund, Rebirth employs a nurse at the local chuildren’s hospital. Ither abandoned or with their parents having had their parental rights withdrawn due to alcohol, drug or violent abuse these babies do not get the constant care and attention that other children get in the hospital where their mothers will stay with their offspring. The nurse also provides nappies, creams and medicines which these lonely, frightened youngsters would not receive otherwise.

Future:

Rebirth are working with the local authorities who have recognised the essential work that is carried out. Families are referred to the project for support. As this profile grows so, we hope, will the local support from the general public and the authorities.

Website: http://revival-ua.org