Luba at Project Sasha

I spent last Monday at project Sasha. That staff has such a high turn over rate that it is impressive how well they function. I met one new team member, Igor, on this trip. When I asked him why he wanted to work at Project Sasha, his reply was simple. “I love these children.”

That has to be the reason for the whole crew. The economy has deteriorated so badly in Ukraine that even with raises of 30-40% over the past year, salaries are still below the government measured poverty level. Everyone tries to hold a second job to make ends meet.

Let me tell you about one incident I watched unfold on Monday. Luba has been at Project Sasha less than a year. She is finishing Law School and could be using that degree for a much better paying job.

It appeared that the children at Project Sasha were younger than in previous visits. One seven year old girl from a family of eight caught my eye. She was small with long blonde hair and blue eyes. And, she was very shy, hardly making eye contact. Luba started “fixing” her hair and soon discovered lice. Some of the staff and volunteers groaned loudly and ran for the disinfectant. I could see the shyness in the girl’s eyes becoming fear. Luba leaned over and spoke very softly. She got a pair of plastic gloves, special shampoo and began to calmly shampoo the girl’s hair- thoroughly. Then Luba cleaned herself. When I grow up, I think I want to be like Luba. One other thing- Luba was on vacation this week.

Luba has asked to host a transitional center. For a transitional center, we would provide her with an apartment and she would take in two or three girls who are now living on the streets. The cost would be $800-$1,000 a month. Kostya, our Ukrainian Director, is looking for a suitable apartment. I’m looking for funds.