There are a large number of orphans in the Dnepropetrovsk province, both those that would be considered orphans in the traditional sense, as well as “social orphans,” who have been placed in the care of the state.
Semya works with a number of these orphanages to help address physical, emotional and educational needs.
What started out as an experimental project, teaching English to orphans has grown into a daily activity for Semya staff.
Currently, orphans from five different small orphanages receive English classes on a weekly basis. Semya also volunteers at a grade school in a nearby town, which had been unable to find an English teacher for the school.
The curriculum includes reading, writing and conversational practice. The sessions sometimes include practical application such as a baking or craft activity conducted in English.
Initially, the classes focused only on the English language: reading, comprehension and conversational practice. However, this soon expanded to include assistance with their other schoolwork and extra academic tutoring for exams.
