Antares Foundation has been brightening
the lives of orphans in Kazakhstan since 2004,
and this was our mission on our recent trip in June 2026.
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The Antares team consisted of Alex W. (Indiana), Melissa W. (Indiana), Gulya K. (KZ), Igor and Nadiya S. (KZ), Kira & Artur S. (KZ) Linda & Larry W. (Indiana), Lyuba V. (KZ), and Rachael D. (Scotland).  
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  Antares, the orphanage caretakers, directors, and each one of the orphans are so grateful to each one of our sponsors and donors. Because of your generosity and care, so much was accomplished.
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At Sokolovka, Artur and his student crew were so proud to show us their 3-D printer and the projects they have been working on. This program, taught by Artur, will help prepare the students for their future once they graduate from the orphanage.   
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❤️❤️❤️❤️

Poludino boys learned so much in the Tile-Making Master Class taught by Alex W. This was our second year with the Tile-Making Master Class which will allow participants to learn through a hands-on experience. Learning this valuable skill builds confidence and allows opportunities for potential jobs once they graduate.
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Highlights from 2026 trip:

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·        The Antares team visited Sokolovka, Children’s Village (CV), Poludino, Ayirtausky, and the local shelter.
​·        Each orphanage received fun-filled games and crafts.

  ·        CV, Poludino, & Sokolovka orphanages had lots of fun at their special day at the movies with a stop at the local mall for lunch. Ayirtausky kids enjoyed their day swimming at a local resort lake and finished with a catered meal that filled their tummies! Laughter, fun, and good memories were made!

·        48 orphans graduated from the orphanages and will be moved to a dorm-like setting to learn a trade and further their education. 

·        Alex, our team member, hired a local chef who cooked a very special meal of Pilaf for all the kids and staff at Sokolovka! They were so grateful!

 ·        Alex, our team member, also hosted a Master Tile-Making Workshop for the older boys and Poludino. They were able to learn a life-time skill that will help provide for their future. 

·        A local professional taught a Candle-Making Master Class for the graduates from CV. The class was a great learning experience with lots of fun.

  ·        Artur, with his students, shared what they have been learning in their ongoing robotics, coding class with their new 3-D printer. These computer skills will be essential for a successful future once they graduate from the orphanage

 ·        A 1on1 Post-Orphan pizza gathering took place and approximately 30 post-orphans shared with us their challenges and how they are doing.
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