The Tough Reality — And the Hope That Changes Everything
The Challenges Facing Orphans in Kazakhstan
Every child deserves a family. A family to encourage them when they are discouraged. A family to celebrate their successes. A family to guide them through life’s challenges and stand beside them as they grow into adulthood. For thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children in Kazakhstan, that support system is missing. While children’s homes and government programs provide essential care, they cannot replace the love, guidance, and stability that a family provides. As a result, many children leave institutional care facing an uncertain future. The transition to adulthood can be overwhelming. Young people who graduate from orphanages often find themselves navigating housing applications, education opportunities, employment, finances, and independent living with little or no family support. Many struggle with loneliness, emotional trauma, social isolation, and a lack of practical life skills. Despite government programs designed to help former orphans, significant challenges remain.
The Challenges Don’t End at Graduation
Kazakhstan provides important protections for orphan graduates, including priority housing rights, educational grants, and financial benefits. However, obtaining these resources can be a long and difficult process. Thousands of former orphans remain on waiting lists for state housing. Many young adults spend years waiting for a permanent home while trying to build independent lives. Some graduates move into Youth Houses, where they begin learning basic life skills and adapting to life outside institutional care. Yet even with these programs, many young people feel unprepared for the realities of adulthood. Without a trusted adult to turn to for advice and encouragement, some graduates struggle to find stability and direction. The years immediately following graduation are often the most critical—and the most vulnerable. A Ray of Hope This is where sponsorship can make a life-changing difference. When you sponsor a child through Antares Foundation Inc., you provide far more than financial assistance. You become a source of encouragement, friendship, and hope. You become someone who believes in a child’s future.
Every Child Needs Someone Who Cares
Many children living in orphanages carry deep emotional wounds. Some have experienced neglect, loss, abandonment, or trauma. Others have simply never had the experience of knowing that someone is thinking about them every day. A sponsor helps change that. Through letters, photographs, birthday greetings, gifts, and ongoing communication, sponsors help children feel valued, remembered, and loved. For many children, their sponsor becomes the one consistent person who follows their journey year after year.
Helping Children Believe in Themselves
Children thrive when they know someone believes in them. Sponsorship helps children build confidence, develop self-esteem, improve communication skills, and discover their own potential. The encouragement of a caring sponsor can inspire a child to dream bigger, work harder, and pursue goals they once thought impossible. When a child feels supported, they begin to see possibilities where they once saw obstacles.
Preparing for Independent Living
Growing up involves learning countless life skills that many young people take for granted. Budgeting money. Managing time. Setting goals. Making decisions. Solving problems. Planning for the future. Sponsors and mentors can provide encouragement and guidance as older children prepare for life beyond the orphanage, helping them build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Support Beyond Graduation
Graduation is not the end of a young person’s journey. In many ways, it is only the beginning. Former orphans often face challenges related to housing, employment, education, healthcare, and emotional well-being. Without family support, these obstacles can feel overwhelming. Sponsors and mentors can provide the kind of encouragement and practical guidance that most young adults receive from parents and relatives. Sometimes a simple conversation, a word of advice, or knowing someone cares can make all the difference.
Continuing Care Through the 1 on 1 Program
At Antares Foundation Inc., our commitment does not end when a child leaves the orphanage. Through our 1 on 1 Program, we continue to support post-orphan graduates as they transition into adulthood. The program provides mentorship, encouragement, practical assistance, and emotional support during this critical stage of life. Our goal is to help young people build stable, independent futures while ensuring they never have to face life’s challenges completely alone.
Be the Difference A child may not remember every gift they receive. But they will remember the person who believed in them. They will remember the letters that encouraged them, the birthday wishes that made them feel special, and the friendship that reminded them they mattered. By sponsoring a child through Antares Foundation Inc., you can help provide hope, opportunity, stability, and encouragement to a child who needs it most. Most importantly, you can show a child that they are valued, they are loved, and they have a future worth believing in.
Antares Graduates
Questions you may have:
Q: Can I continue my sponsorship with my child after they graduate and leave the orphanage?
A: In most cases, yes. Your child will need your support now more than ever. If they live in the Petropavlovsk area, and keep their contact information current, our coordinators in Kazakhstan can keep in touch with them. In most cases, your letters will be emailed or sent through text to your child – and not hand-delivered like they were in the orphanages. If you choose to continue sponsorship, please remember to continue your sponsorship fees as they pay for translation fees. If your child moves out of the area, changes contact information, or loses touch with our coordinators, you will be contacted.
Q: What is the 1on1 Program?
A: Once your child graduates from their orphanage, they are invited to participate in the 1on1 Program. Luba, our coordinator in Kazakhstan, will contact each of the graduates for monthly meetings. At the monthly meetings, they are fed and also allowed to make a hand-made craft. Supplies for the crafts are furnished by Antares. If they choose to create art or make a hand-crafted item, Luba pays them at the time they turn in their item. Luba, then ships the items to the UK or USA to be sold. At the monthly meetings, they can also bring any concerns (financial, housing, getting a driver’s license, etc.) to Luba. Luba shares this information with Antares and Antares steps in to help as needed.
Q: What if I write to my child and I don’t hear back from them?
A: This can happen for various reasons. One, being in college with little supervision is a new life for them and they need time to adapt. Some are learning for the first time in their life how to manage their time. We ask you to please be patient. If the letter is being delivered, then they are most likely to read it. We encourage you to keep writing. If you still have not heard back in a reasonable amount of time, we can ask our coordinator to do a personal welfare check on them and report back to us on the situation.
Q: Can I send my graduate money?
A: You may send your graduate money; however, it is strongly discouraged. We prefer that you not send money, however, if your child has needs as far as groceries and/or clothes, then we can ask our coordinators to meet with your child and have your child pick out what they need and the coordinator pays for it. This keeps your child safe (due to other kids knowing that they have cash on them) and also prevents any temptations on buy alcohol and cigarettes.
Q: Can I contact my graduate without the help of Antares and contact them on social media directly?
A: This is not legally allowed until they are 18 years old. This is for your protection and theirs. Thank you for understanding.
One caring sponsor can change a life. One act of kindness can become a lifelong ray of hope.
Sponsors visited with the post-orphans in June 2016, and discussed individualized programs and resources that will provide sustainable opportunities. Your sponsored child will need and appreciate your continued support after they graduate from the orphanage. Our program provides a mentor and financial support for tuition, supplies, clothing or living expenses to ensure the graduates are able to continue with their education
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Driving License Project
One of our newest projects is helping Post-Orphans with obtaining a driver's license. Most people in Kazakhstan walk or rely on public transportation. Kazakhstan currently has embarked on a country-wide road construction project to improve all inter-city roads. It is estimated that by 2020 the majority of the road construction will be completed. The need for qualified drivers will continue to increase. This will open many opportunities for Post-Orphans that need a job. Being a taxi driver, driving a delivery truck, van, city bus and more will help each one with a future and provide a career that will support themselves as well as their family.
The total cost for the life-changing program can vary since it is based on the Kazakhstan tenge. Currently, (as of 4/7/17) the costs are as follows
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Theoretical - $100.00 (Paid when student registers)
Practical $3.40/hr. @ 50 hours - $170.00
We ask the student (Post-Orphan) to sign an agreement stating that they will complete the course. Upon completion of the Theoretical portion they will report their progress.
For additional information, please contact us.
Tax-deductible donations to the Driver's program are appreciated.
