Child Sponsorship Background from Lavrovo, Russia

SOS Children's Village Lavrovo

The second Russian SOS Children's Village is situated in the settlement Lavrovo, approximately seven kilometres away from Orjol. Lavrovo lies in the heart of Russia, about 350 kilometres south of Moscow, the country's capital.

The decision to build SOS Children's Village Lavrovo was motivated by the result of previous studies about the living conditions of orphans in the town of Orjol. Besides, many children and youths in this region are still suffering from the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster in the Ukraine in 1986.

The about 3,500 inhabitants of Lavrovo mainly live on agriculture. Lavrovo offers a good infrastructure and all kinds of public schools and nursery schools. The official opening of the SOS Children's Village Lavrovo took place on 4 July 2000.

The SOS Children's Village Lavrovo is surrounded by an apple orchard and comprises twelve family houses to take in up to 84 children, a communal building, a workshop, a garage as well as houses for the village director and the SOS aunts (who support the SOS mothers and take care of the children when the mothers are on leave). Additionally, a playground was created.

In order to meet the needs of the growing number of youths who have already outgrown the SOS Children's Village, an SOS Youth Home was established in Orjol in autumn 2001. The SOS Youth Home can accommodate up to 14 youths, who can stay there during vocational training or higher education and prepare themselves for an independent life.

SOS Children's Village Lavrovo History

SOS Children’s Village Lavrovo has a special history. This second Russian SOS Children’s Village was built here in the Oryol region with the resources of Monica Chappuis, a Swiss citizen, and her family. When she was fourteen, Ms. Chappuis had bought a Russian language manual and had fallen in love with Russia, so she and her family decided to help the country they knew and loved so well.

Lavrovo Children’s Village’s first child arrived on 7th October, 1998. Twelve family houses now accommodate the 81 children and their SOS Mothers who live here.