The Stork Center - Nurturing the Unwanted
Imagine unwanted babies born to HIV-positive mothers in one of the coldest places on earth. This was the challenge that was presented to ADRA in Siberia. To provide care for these little ones we opened the "Aistenok" or the "stork-baby" center at the City of Irkutsk Hospital for Infections in Irkutsk, Siberia, in November 2002. Providing warm woolen clothing, bedding and towels, and nutritious porridge are some of the many ways that ADRA is caring for these children.
Four women, who call themselves the Sisters of Charity, provide constant care to these abandoned children. Wearing ADRA uniforms, they are quickly noticed and deeply appreciated at the hospital. These women perform the tasks of a traditional mother: changing diapers, feeding, bathing, talking to and playing with the infants. But most of all, they provide love and nurture.
Olya, an HIV-positive toddler, expresses herself by constant crying except when she is in the ADRA sister's care. As soon as she sees one of the ADRA workers, she smiles and allows them to help her walk.
Dasha did not walk or eat solid food for the first three years of her life. The doctors felt there was no prognosis for development for her and asked the ADRA workers to give her special care. Through their love and attention, and God's mercy, Dasha is now a normally developing child.
Kolya arrived at the center when he was 6 months old. He was so small that everyone thought he was a newborn. Now, he is one year old and is still unable to walk and is very ill, however his happy sounds and smiling eyes bring joy to those around him. As the children grow, the Sisters of Charity play developmental games with them, teaching them to draw, read, write, and sing songs. The children and
their needs are very diverse.
While the Hospital for Infections and the "Aistenok" Center provide these children with medical care, ADRA is caring for all of their remaining physical needs. Though once abandoned, ADRA is helping each child feel secure and valued.
