Step Up

Project idea

The project involves conducting remote and, in some cases, in-person additional classes on school subjects for 150 children from orphanages, boarding schools, and social institutions, as well as children and adolescents from adoptive and crisis families from 8 regions of Russia.

Due to adverse life circumstances, these children have gaps in their school knowledge, but cannot afford tutors.

Classes will be conducted in two areas:
- Assistance in obtaining education, preparation for successful passing of exams for students of general educational institutions, graduates of special (correctional) educational institutions, and graduates of orphanages for mentally challenged children.
- Broadening knowledge about the world, teaching counting and writing skills for basic socialization, and successful participation in supported living programs for children from orphanages, boarding schools, and social institutions.

For students in the first group, both face-to-face and remote lessons are planned, while for the second group, predominantly face-to-face group lessons will be conducted under the "Day by Day" program developed by the "Step Up" Center.

It is planned to hold career guidance webinars and meetings with representatives of various professions to familiarize young people with different types of activities and to provide motivation for further professional and educational development.

A seminar-council titled "Burnout Prevention" will be held for teachers involved in the project, based on a program developed by the Center's specialists.

Relevance

According to the Prosecutor General's Office of Russia's statistics, around 40% of orphanage graduates end up with a criminal record.

That said, it is known that a well-assimilated basic education can positively influence the life trajectory of children.

Effective learning is a powerful motivator for personal growth. The more a person knows and understands the world, the greater their desire to learn, develop, and strive for the best.

Children who are left without parental care require more patience, support, and individual attention from educators than children who grew up in a family.

School teachers often lack the time for additional explanations for students in difficult life situations, leaving some material unlearned, which leads to educational neglect.

Falling behind in school leads to a child becoming withdrawn, feeling unsuccessful, and insecure. This not only creates problems for future professional development but also puts psychological pressure on children.

Education helps to gain confidence and a stable position in the world.

It is important to provide individual attention to children living in a group. In some cases, an educator can become a key caregiver for a student, with whom they can discuss complex life situations.

Participation in the project helps children from orphanages overcome environmental inertia and gain an interest in life, a desire to learn and develop.

The "Remote Education" project has been operating since 2014 and has shown good results: more than 446 students from 19 social institutions have been trained, and many participants have successfully passed school exams, received certificates, and entered colleges and universities.

Social effect

Increasing motivation for a prosperous independent life among children from social institutions in seven regions of the Russian Federation.