We stopped to talk to Maxim during math class. Unfortunately for the teachers, Maxim was distracted and became more interested in the guests than his teachers.
Only a month ago Maxim was moved from a younger age group to an older. According to his teachers, Maxim befriended everyone in the new group and wasn’t afraid of talking to each and every kid, in fact he became the life of the party!
Always smiling and full of energy, Maxim prefers to explore the world rather than sit in the classroom. Maxim has difficulty sitting still because he is so curious – he always wants to touch and try everything. Maxim eagerly waits the end of classes so he can run around, play with toy cars and trains, and of course – his friends.
This was a special day for five-year-old Maxim because he was able to see his two sisters – three-year old Anastasia and one and a half-year old Kristina. The children live in different groups and aren’t able to see each other.
The temporary family reunion occurred in the playroom. It was sad to watch the children not interact with each other because they do not even know that they are related. Maxim was fine despite the unfamiliarity of the room and people around him. Maxim simply grabbed one of his favorite toys – a ball – and started to play. Anastasia and Kristina were visibly upset being in a room with strangers.
Anastasia was the most upset of the children because she does not like large groups of people and typically keeps to herself in such situations. But after some time, she relaxed and opened up. During individual lessons, Anastasia shows academic success. She especially likes individual attention because then she can play with dolls, plush toys and in the ball pit.
Anastasia also really enjoys musical classes and loves to dance and participate in all the activities. At three years old she is already learning to be independent – she can change on her own, studies and can take care of herself.
Kristina looks a lot like her older sister. She was also initially scared of the film crew and unfamiliar faces in the room, but calmed down and stayed still once we started taking pictures. According to her teachers, Kristina loves to make funny expressions with her eyes. Like her sister Kristina is rather quiet and prefers keep to herself unless she receives special attention.
At a first glance you see just a scared little girl, but she is full of character. If someone offends her or takes her toy away she cries and tells everyone what happened.
This was a special day and we hope that the next time they meet is with a mother and father and not with a film crew.
If you are interested in adopting these or other children, please read the memo to the potential you can also contact Children’s Affairs' service of the Zaporozhia State Administration by telephone +38 (061) 239-02-51 or +38 (061) 239-01-56
Other children who dream of finding a family
If for some reason you are currently not able to adopt (for example, you are a student and do not have a family of your own yet) you are still able to help children at an orphanage with your financial support. Ways you can help include planning and participating in excursions and trips for children; visiting a child in an orphanage; or helping purchase developmental toys, books, construction sets, and sports equipment.
