Socialisation and professional support of orphans were discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA

On 16 September, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the official opening of the orphanage graduates forum "We Need Each Other". The key theme of this year’s forum was "Young Professionals – the Pillar of Russia". 

The purpose of the event is to develop innovative solutions for the socialisation of orphans, bringing together graduates, representatives of government, business, and NGOs. In particular, the aim is to design an interdepartmental strategy that would include educational, career, and social tools for successful integration of young people into society, the creation of unified standards of support in education, and a "road map" for employment with the involvement of business partners.

"Socialisation of orphanage graduates is a topic that cannot be left unattended. Today the Constitution of the Russian Federation stipulates that the country becomes the father and mother for children left without parental care," said Anna Kuznetsova, Deputy Chair of the State Duma, in her welcoming address. 

She noted that a law on mentoring has now been adopted, and that other important provisions have also been submitted to the State Duma. These include three draft laws on orphans that expand opportunities for receiving housing certificates. She emphasised that a detailed review of each case revealed that orphans had previously been subject to a different approach in the recalculation and issuing of certificates.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects Alexei Avetisov read out a welcome address on behalf of the Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects of the Russian Federation, Sergei Novikov.

"Congratulations on the opening of the forum 'We Need Each Other', which has become a traditional meeting place for friends and like-minded people. Undoubtedly, this is the result of the systemic and multifaceted work of the Association of Orphanage Graduates and children from all over the country. This work is based on kindness, attentiveness to the needs of the child, responsibility and care," noted Sergei Novikov. "Together with teachers, specialists in the protection of children’s rights and orphans, public figures and representatives of state authorities, you support young people and often become those very important adults and mentors for them on their way to independent life." 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

All orphanage graduates are very different, yet there is one common quality that unites them, said Anastasia Zhukova, member of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy. According to her, they never stop in the face of difficulties. 

During her speech, Anastasia Zhukova also read out a welcoming address from Yelena Perminova, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy. 

"The All-Russian Forum of Orphanage Graduates is an important event aimed at supporting this category of citizens and ensuring their social adaptation. Every year, the forum gathers hundreds of orphanage graduates from across the country, and this year more than 600 people came to discuss the key aspects of their lives, issues of their successful socialisation, and professional development," she said.

State support for orphans and children left without parental care, the most vulnerable category of citizens, is one of the most important areas of modern Russia’s social policy, Anastasia Zhukova continued. Part of this work involves post-institutional support, which includes pedagogical, psychological, legal, and consultative assistance. She expressed confidence that the forum participants would develop proposals for improving legislation and social initiatives that would further contribute to the integration of this category of citizens into society.

After the official opening of the Forum, a panel discussion took place between speakers and participants on the theme "Young Professionals: How to Become a Pillar for Yourself and the Country". The outcome was that comprehensive support for orphans and graduates must be built on close cooperation between all stakeholders.

One of the key priorities identified was the creation of equal opportunities for education, the development of professional competences, and the building of a successful adult life.

The official opening ceremony was attended by more than 350 people, including representatives of state authorities, public associations, educational institutions, the business community, and the graduates themselves.

The organiser of the Forum of Orphanage Graduates "We Need Each Other" is the All-Russian public organisation "Community of Orphanage Graduates ‘Children of the Whole Country’", with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs. The Community is an active participant in implementing the plan of the Concept for Improving the Work of Guardianship and Custody Authorities with Respect to Underage Citizens.

As part of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, the Community is implementing a number of patriotic projects, including regional initiatives. Among them are the digital book "Our Heroes" about participants in the special military operation from among orphans, the All-Russian campaign #KINDLETTERS, as well as projects and initiatives aimed at supporting children from orphanages in frontline areas. These programmes will be presented by participants in the special military operation who are orphans and by members of the Community.

The All-Russian public organisation "Community of Orphanage Graduates ‘Children of the Whole Country’" was established in 2019 and is represented in 76 regions of Russia. Its main areas of work are public oversight of the rights of orphans, socialisation and post-institutional support of orphanage graduates, prevention of social orphanhood, support for graduates, and mentoring.