Breaking down orphanage bars

It is a long way from the North Shore in Auckland to an orphanage in Kazan, 750km east of Moscow.

But high school economics teacher Kaye McKean has forged a connection in her efforts to set up an orphanage in the Russian city.

Mrs McKean first visited Kazan with a church group when she was at university, 10 years ago. She began to plan an orphanage seriously when she returned with her husband and parents in 1996.

Many parents in Kazan have abandoned their children because they cannot afford to feed them.

On her first trip, Mrs McKean saw children in an existing orphanage standing at the rails, "like prison bars". She has since learned that if the orphans cause trouble, they are sedated.

"There is no therapy, there are no toys. Seven, eight and nine-year-olds couldn't do a three- or four-piece jigsaw puzzle because they don't have those opportunities."

Mrs McKean estimates she will need $300,000 to buy a suitable building and get started. She already has the support of her mother's company, Kindercare, and believes she will be able to raise the money.

Thousands of New Zealanders have responded to the same human impulse to help those in need.

Almost 100 work for Volunteer Service Abroad in Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Hundreds are working for New Zealand's official aid programme or other agencies.

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