The Maria child and youth centre, a joint project between the LIGHT foundation and Caritasa Catholic church charity organisation, opened in Volgograd, Russia, in September 2007. Continuing financial support to maintain the facility has been flowing from the foundation ever since. The centre was built primarily for social orphans, or children who come from very poor and in some cases violent families.

These children frequently grow up with their mothers only, since their fathers do not feel responsible for them. The mothers are typically overwhelmed with child rearing and in many cases addicted to alcohol or medication. After school, the children are given a warm meal at the centre, where specialised social workers help them with their homework and organise various leisure activities.

The aim is to cultivate the children’s capabilities and talents, strengthen communication skills and identify perspectives. Mutual undertakings, friendships, positive impressions and optimistic people serve to provide hope and point a way out of their dreary everyday lives.

There is also a special focus on working with the parents via support and involvement. Many of the children live in one of the rooms in the larger communal housing complexes, where up to 12 units branch off a long hallway, sharing a common kitchen and bathroom facilities. At the centre, they experience a different sort of open, friendly environment, where they receive attention and assistance and, of course, learn good behaviour.