Article: For 10 years we have been friends with a care home where women with disabilities with special mental development live. We dedicated a Round table to this significant date, where we discussed the results of cooperation and plans for the future.

Results of 10 years: emancipation and socialization
From the very first visit, we chose such events so that the volunteers of the New Acropolis and the wards of the care home could communicate from heart to heart, respectfully and without fear, and show their best potential.

Therefore, we acted out scenes in the shadow theater together, sang songs together, danced dances of the peoples of the world, played communicative and sports games, made New Year’s decorations, and even painted the walls in the hall of the dormitory.

Summing up the 10-year work, the director of the care home, L.F. Osetrova, noted that all these events help women to become free, to express themselves without hesitation, to learn to interact with ordinary people, and to try their hand at creativity. The staff began to trust their wards more, and now the women in the care home put on colorful theatrical performances, participate in their village’s events and sports competitions, sing songs, recite poetry, and do many things with their own hands.

For us, these words were a confirmation that interaction based on ethical values helps people with severe physical and mental disabilities to open up.

We are also pleased that our efforts have been recognized by the Ministry of Social Protection of the Republic of Karelia, as an article about our collaboration with the care home was published on the website of the Government of the Republic.

New forms of cooperation
Of course, we talked about the future. We were looking for ways to involve more volunteers in interaction with the residents of the care home, as it is very important for them to meet new people, learn to communicate confidently and naturally. We also talked about what events can be held for women who cannot walk or even speak, and whose souls also need kind feelings, bright impressions, and human warmth. And we came up with something very interesting! Friendship and cooperation continue.