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   One of the goals of this cultural exchange is to give underprivileged Ukrainian children a hope for the future. Unfortunately, statistics show that up to 40% of these children were abandoned at birth and the other 60% were removed from their homes due to parental neglect. We feel that providing these children with the opportunity to experience American culture, language, and lifestyle is a marvelous way of motivating and inspiring them. In addition, the program is providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the orphans by allowing them to spend precious time with a host family, receiving attention and love that they usually lack back home in their orphanages.

   A side benefit of this project is the exciting opportunity for local Americans who interact with these children to experience the pleasure and fulfillment of participating in international, cross-cultural relationships. Sometimes enriching and endearing life-long friendships are formed. Host Families Feedback.

   The cultural portion of the hosting program includes lots of sightseeing and excursions, cultural and sports activities, potlucks and socials, etc. During the last five hosting programs, the children hosted in California were able to visit Monterey Aquarium, Universal Studios and Disneyland in Los Angeles, Discovery Museum in San Jose, Six Flags Marine World, U.S. Coast Guard Base in Alameda with a top to bottom tour of the Coast Guard Vessel, Jelly Belly Factory, the U.S. State Capitol and the Governor’s Office in Sacramento, Hillar Aviation Museum, etc.

   One of the highlights of the program that has now become a tradition, is a Ukrainian Festival during which the children sing and dance to Ukrainian songs in traditional costumes. The children have been rehearsing their performances for several months and always impress the audience with their talents. The children also demonstrate their artistic talents by selling beautiful handmade needlepoint pictures, pottery, paintings, and stuffed animals they had made in Ukraine. Thanks to generous donations, the last two Festivals raised hundreds of dollars that are so needed for the orphanages.

  Since 2004, the Ukrainian Orphan Project has grown at a rapid pace. As a result of this growth, the 2008 hosting locations are as follows: CA, NC, MA, MN, AL, GA, NY, PA, OK, OH, IL, MO. Hosting is potentially available in any state, given that there are 4-5 host families from the same area.

Tentative arrival day for the Summer hosting program is June 20th.
Tentative arrival day for the Winter hosting program is December 20th.

   * If interested in hosting, please review the summary of requirements. In order to confirm travel arrangements for a child, applications for the Winter hosting are due by November 1 and applications for the Summer hosting are due by May 1. Photos of the children together with a brief description of their hobbies and interests are typically available 3-4 months prior to the children's arrival.

   * If interested in volunteering for the project, please review the summary of our volunteer needs. Even if you cannot host a child yourself, please help us to spread the word about this opportunity by disseminating this Flyer.