February 12: Toys for kids who never had them
The non-profit Foundation Positive Initiative was established in 2005 by HIV-positive activists in Orenburg. It is involved in providing non-medical services for people living with HIV, their loved ones and relatives, and people in risk groups. It also advocates for better coordination of services and support for people living with HIV. The Foundation’s General Director Oleg Burlak says: “Often, when coming for counseling, people bring their children. This is how we got the idea of organizing a children’s room where they would be able to spend their time usefully while waiting for their parents. The children’s room was equipped in August 2007 with the support of UNICEF. It has a slide, a trampoline, sports equipment, a balloon pit, and other useful toys. For many children coming to this room it is the only possibility to play comfortably with their peers. Not many families that come to the Centre can afford to buy decent quality toys and to get admitted to a kindergarten is very difficult for these children. Staff and volunteers hold special games and events for the children from time to time. Misha, 7 years old, who comes to the Centre with his mum, says “The room is great! I would love to have a corner like this in our apartment, but a trampoline and a balloon pit too much space, so I will keep coming to the children’s room at the Centre”.
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