There has been great political change. The days of Soviet control now seem a long way distant to the resident population. Ukraine is a poor country that has struggled against almost impossible odds. The move towards democracy has brought with it many hardships. It will take time for the country to become accustomed to the new political and economic situation.

First and foremost the country is short of money. Politicians and administrators have an almost impossible task trying to allocate resources in the most effective way. The needs of the nation are so great.

These boys are living in a sewer. There is currently little hope for such children.

The story of the orphaned and displaced children of Odessa is not a happy one. Odessa is a port city and has become a transit area for economic immigrants. Many children have been deposited here from families escaping the poverty in Moldova , Transnistria and numerous other parts of the former Soviet Union . This huge number of orphaned and abandoned children is a relatively new phenomenon for the Odessa region

There are today estimated to be many thousands of orphaned and displaced children living in the Odessa region. It is impossible to be accurate with numbers as the government currently do not yet collate such statistics. Between 2000 and 3000 children are estimated to live on the streets of Odessa City without help. They can be found in derelict buildings, unused basements, even living underground in the drainage system. Largely unreported in the West, this is a true tragedy resulting from the break up of the Soviet Union .

Young girls from the ‘Institute for Mentally Challenged Girls'. These children spend long periods of time sat on potties. This helps to reduce soiling on the floors as there is insufficient funding to pay for enough cleaning materials.

It will undoubtedly disturb many of you that take the time to read further. This is not a site for the faint hearted or for those that prefer to ignore the sufferings that exist in the world today.

These children are a priority for the government. Please remember that this is a country struggling for resources. The Government, administrators, management and staff are working hard to ease the suffering of these unfortunate children. Working in sometimes almost impossible conditions and severely under funded, the staff of the institutions deserve admiration and support. With additional funding they know they can do better.

The ‘ Odessa Children's Charity' (OCC) is a united effort by citizens of both the United Kingdom and Ukraine to make a significant improvement in the lives of these unfortunate children. Projects are to be funded jointly with 25% coming from UK donations, 25% for Ukraine commerce and industry, the remaining 50% being funded directly by the Ukraine government. We are the first charity to have developed such an approach. We have no political or business agenda. We are committed to helping these children as best we can.

This unfortunate young boy lives on the streets. He has visited ‘The Way Home', a walk in centre for people who live on the streets. He has just been diagnosed as HIV positive. He shows his result to the photographer. He has given his permission for us to use this picture.

The ‘ Odessa Children's Charity' (OCC) comprises of two independent charities of the same name. One is registered in the United Kingdom and the other in Ukraine . The charities are jointly managed by citizens of both countries. Both are non-profit making organisations registered in their respective nations.

By working together the considerable tax benefits available to citizens of the United Kingdom can be maximised whilst the Ukraine registration will allow humanitarian aid to be imported into Ukraine without restriction or import duty penalties.

The inspiration for the formation of the jointly registered charity came from Kenneth Wills and Graham Oliver from the United Kingdom and Svitlana Platchkova from Ukraine . Together they have visited all of the institutions illustrated on this site. What they have witnessed has resulted in a long term commitment to improve the plight of the orphaned and displaced children of Odessa region. The formation of this charity is an active and ongoing consequence of that commitment.

The ‘ Odessa Children's Charity' (OCC) is dedicated to helping the orphaned, institutionalised and homeless children of Odessa .

We have five specific targets:

1. Repair and Refurbishment of Existing Facilities. We propose to provide direct funding to improve and expand the existing infrastructure of the orphanages and institutions of Odessa and Odessa Region. This may include refurbishment, rebuilding or new construction of buildings as well as the supply and installation of new equipment. Funding will include a provision for staff training and on going maintenance where necessary.

This washing machine dates from the 1950's and is life expired. Washing machines just like this equip laundries in the majority of institutions. This typifies the age and condition of appliances and equipment currently in use in all of Odessa 's institutions and orphanages.

2. Remove the Homeless Children from the Streets of Odessa and provide for them Rehabilitation, Housing, Education and Medical Care.

We need to act to protect children like this young boy. This will be no easy task. Many children are addicted to drugs and will not want to conform to the restrictions of a formal institution. It is estimated that 40% of street children are HIV positive.

3. Improve the Opportunities for Children leaving the confines of an Institution.

These children deserve a chance in life. They deserve the same opportunities as children educated in mainstream schools. They deserve support after leaving their institution to assist them in becoming worthwhile and productive citizens of Ukraine .

4. To provide Short Term Assistance with the day to day operation of such institutions, including the provision of basic living materials until such time as the funding issues are resolved by the resident governmental organisations.

A delivery of washing powder and fruit is delivered to ‘Victoria Summer Camp'. Regular deliveries are required as there is no budget provision for soap powder since this charity installed a laundry in 2006.

5. To Increase the Awareness of the Resident Population in the predicament of the orphaned, institutionalised and homeless children. To expand the profile of this group in an effort to promote a significant and permanent increase in government support.

These are indeed ambitious targets, but with your help we are convinced we can succeed. Please find the time to look more closely at our site. Any assistance you can give would be very gratefully received.

Please take the time to read on.