Institution for Mentally Challenged Girls 'Krasnosilka'

 

This was without doubt one of the most distressing institutions of Odessa back in 2006. Being located outside of the city the institution had failed to attract funding from foreign charities and donors and had clearly received insufficient funding from the state. These really were some of the forgotten children of Odessa.

When we first visited Krasnosilka, it was immediately obvious that considerable funding was required to bring the institution up to an acceptable standard. There was no expectation from the local staff that conditions could or would be improved. In true soviet business style, the charity had to prove it's credibility through action, not through words. Promises from other organisations had been broken in the past. Clearly the way ahead was not going to be easy!

The laundry was in a particularly poor condition. It could not keep up with the constant demand for fresh clothing and bed linen that these children require. In the winter the situation got worse. The clothes dryer no longer functioned and there was insufficient room to hang laundry. Temporary heaters had been installed but are too small, worn out and dangerous.

Initially the charity had intended to build and equip a brand new laundry. Difficulties with planning permissions delayed the project for some time, however, as an alternative it was decided to rebuild the existing laundry. This work was completed during 2008.

There is a complete mixture of girls at Krasnosilka with varying degrees of mental illnesses. About 20 of the girls are unable to leave their beds and require constant attention to prevent bed sores and related ailments. In 2008 this charity supplied 20 new orthopaedic beds for these unfortunate children.

A general lack of funding prevents the institution from developing new and more intensive care programmes for the children. The buildings are in a general poor state of repair, rooms with rotting window frames, damp ceilings and walls can still be found. A disgusting smell pervades into many parts of the institution. Facilities for the children can only be described as minimal. The bedrooms are cramped. The beds are old and thin. There are no plastic covers for the mattresses. The mattresses are soiled. Funding is still urgently needed.

he Director and his staff must be congratulated for their efforts on behalf of these children. Since 2006 the charity has worked hard to build a positive working relationship with this institution. Using the work undertaken by this charity as an example, the Director has successfully attracted further funding from other organisations as well as from the state. There is a clear and positive attitude as conditions continue to improve at Krasnosilka. We must not be complacent however as there is a long way to go!

	Back in 2006, many children sat on potties for considerable periods of time. The lack of resources at the institution is clearly evidet.
	An example of the poor condition of flooring in parts of the institution in 2006.
	Girls being fed whilst in protective clothing. There is a huge difference in mental disabilities between the girls. Some are violent and require restraint to prevent injury (2006).
	This is the play area outside of the main building photographed during our first visit back in 2006. Compare this with the photograph below taken in 2009. Much progress has been made improving this area for the children.
	This is a view of the children's dining area. It is clean and well presented (2006).
	This is the main kitchen and food preparation room. All the equipment is out of date and needs to be replaced. The kitchen staff do their best to keep it as clean as possible and must be commended for their efforts (2006).

	This is a food storage and preparation room (2006).
	This is a hole in the wall in the kitchen building. It is impossible to maintain a high standard of hygiene under conditions such as these (2006).
	The floor in the kitchen has open drains. Any reconstruction of the building is likely to require complete new drainage and water piping. This will be an unknown cost and could add considerably to the cost of any refurbishment project (2006).
	These were the industrial washing machines at the institution. They date from the 1950's and could not cope with the volume of washing required. The charity has replaced both of these (2007).
	This is a view of the drum of a washing machine. As you can see it was completely life expired (2007).
	These industrial heaters are used to help dry the wet laundry (2007).
	By 2007, this laundry drying machine no longer functioned. The situation was much worse in winter when laundry could not be hung outside to dry. This machine was replaced by two smaller machines paid for through a donation from the UK embassy staff in Kiev and The Daily Mail newspaper in the Uk.
	This electric heater was used to keep the staff warm in winter in the laundry (2006). Compare these views to the photographs below taken in 2009 after the laundry refurbishment.

Orthopaedic Beds.

We made a start early in 2008 with the purchase of an orthopaedic bed. Only one bed was ordered initially so that quality of manufacture could be checked. At a purchase price of almost $700 US per bed this was considered of paramount importance.

The first trial bed to be delivered. It is much larger than existing beds with a fully adjustable headrest and a waterproof mattress. A further 19 beds were ordered in February 2008 and delivered on 1 st April. This we hope made a significant improvement in the lives of those children who are bed bound. The purchase of these beds was partially sponsored by generous donations from Katia Tatarenko in the United Kingdom and Julia Martinisi from the United States. The remaining amount was funded by Ken Wills.

In addition to the beds, a local Ukrainian businessman, Mr Alexander Artushin, sponsored the purchase of 60 sets of new bedding was delivered at the same time as the new beds. The delivery was televised for local TV channels and was screened throughout the following week.

A further 19 beds were ordered in February 2008 and delivered on 1st April. This we hope will make a significant improvement in the lives of those children who are bed bound. The purchase of these beds was partially sponsored by generous donations from Mr. and Mrs. Duncan in the United Kingdom and Julia Martinisi from the United States .

In addition to the beds, a local Ukrainian businessman, Mr Alexander Artushin, sponsored the purchase of 60 sets of new bedding was delivered at the same time as the new beds. The delivery was televised for local TV channels and was screened throughout the following week.

The Laundry.

Work commenced on rebuilding the laundry building in 2008. The work has now been completed, including replacing all the required laundry equipment. Our particular thanks are extended to the staff of the UK embassy in Kiev who paid for the two new drying machines and further refurbishment was paid for by the funds raised in The Daily Mail newspaper in the Uk.

Two new industrial washing machines supplied by the charity (2009). New floors have been laid and walls tiled and painted. New exterior doors have been fitted to allow the industrial washing machines to be removed in case of breakdowns (2009).

We intend to continue our work at Krasnosilka and do our best to help relieve the conditions at this institution. A great deal remains to be done. Any donation towards this most worthy cause would be greatly appreciated.