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The Katie Parsons May Campership Legacy
For information on how we are continuing Katie's legacy, please click on Katie Parsons May Campership link on the left side of the page.
Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world — nearly double the size of the United States. Until 1991, Russians had few opportunities to make their own decisions as they were governed by a totalitarian government. Religion was also discouraged until this time. Education is provided for students until age 17 with the last two years available for a specialization, but teachers still lack adequate supplies and materials. Half of the Russian population belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church, however, many still claim no religion. Islam, Judaism and Buddhism also exist.
Since 1992, when a family from the United States moved to Russia to develop Young Life, Moscow has served as the central hub. But after investing in young adults who caught the vision for reaching the youth of their cities, Young Life has a strong presence in Krasnodar, Lipetsk, Tula, St. Petersburg and Novcherkassk. Young Life leaders desiring to reach kids have found niches in many areas, such as sport and special needs clubs, orphanage clubs, and working with homeless youth. About 220 kids regularly attend Young Life club.
http://www.ylgloballeaders.org/pages/info/russia-microfinance
http://www.ylgloballeaders.org/show/161
Ukraine
As the second-largest country in Europe, the Ukraine is slightly smaller than Texas. On the western border, you’ll find extensive mountains, a Mediterranean climate in the south and more plains toward the east. The Ukraine has an extensive history dealing with eras of severe famine, communist repression and, more recently, a nuclear reactor accident affecting much of Eastern Europe. Education is very important in Ukraine: kids must attend school through middle school and some will continue on to high school and then to university. Some will work during the day and attend classes in the evening. Religious freedom began to be allowed in the late 1980s and, today, Christianity continues to be the dominant religion.
In 1994, Young Life began reaching teenagers in the Ukraine in a variety of ways. Sports ministries in local schools have a distinct presence, along with outreach to orphans, street kids, kids with disabilities and teen moms (through YoungLives). In 2004, local staff took on full leadership in the Ukraine. In Chernovsty, Young Life has developed a training center for local staff and volunteers to observe and participate in more established clubs.
http://www.ylgloballeaders.org/pages/info/ukraine-microfinance
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