Kidsave International brings Kazakh orphans to the Berkshires12:00AM / Wednesday, July 24, 2002
With many smiles, giggles, and hugs, seven children from Kazakstan boogied and splashed at their pool party last Saturday in Lenox. They came as orphans through Kidsave International, and are drinking in all the love and sunshine they can with possible adoptive families.
“The whole idea of the program is to show families that these kids can fit in — they’re not too old, they’re not too set in their ways,†said parent Ellen Loftus. “These older kids not only can fit into a family, but they need families, they deserve families.â€
The 4 to 10-year olds, mostly boys, are irresistible to most everyone, with lots of affection and discipline after just a few days nurtured by families and healthy food.
“The children don’t fight — they are just the most happy-go-lucky children,†said Anne Hagenah, coordinator for Kidsave in Western Massachusetts. “They share everything. At home they’re always helping us with the dishes. They make their beds [and] they dress themselves.â€
Kazakstan is a central Asian country between Russia and China, created after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Ethnic groups from both borders — Russians and Kazakhs — share the task of rebuilding a stable economy and a healthy society.
“We have a lot of social problems,†said Aigul, a Kazakh woman who mediates the language and social issues for the Russian-speaking children. She said that parents have a hard time with money, keeping jobs, or addictions, so children go to orphanages. Loftus said that with scarcities of food and clothing they have to share and get by.
“They do a whole lot for a little, and obviously they are doing all they can.â€
But nonprofit group Kidsave International hopes many children in Russia and Kazakstan won’t need an orphanage, finding the love of a family. The “Summer Miracles†program links adoption agencies and host families in the United States with the orphans. Western Massachusetts connected with Russia last year, and with Kazakstan this year, and most children are adopted. Some families are advocates for finding a home for their guest, and others are prospective parents.
“I figured I’d have him for the summertime and help him find a family,†said Suzanne Kleinpeter about 10-year-old Shalkar. “But it’s pretty much a done deal now! I think he adopted me before I adopted him.â€
But some children don’t get picked and more wait. Loftus said the program needs more publicity, leading prospective parents to summer events, day camps the children attend with local children, and other ways to meet them during their six-week stay. Lenox Community Center has already hosted the children in the summer camp, teaching swimming and archery with hiking and other games. Counselors couldn’t help but offer themselves as babysitters, not wanting to part from them, said Hagenah. Becket Chimney Corners YMCA camp will be in August.
“It’s amazing how much they fit in even though they don’t speak the same language,†said Hagenah. Hand gestures, charades, and simple words are enough to get by, and the escort can help with complicated issues.
Raquel Redondo came to the pool party just to watch after hearing about the program. An older woman, she was delighted to watch the fun. “I think it's very beautiful what they’re doing,†she said.
Those interested in more information can contact coordinator Anne Hagenah at 623-5339. Nonprofit group Kidsave International also welcomes donations to help meet the children’s needs.
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