Welcome

The Last Bell Ceremony marks the end of the school year for thousands of orphans in Ukraine. For 15- and 16-year old graduates, this ceremony means the end of life in an institution. They face an unsympathetic outside world, unprepared for independence. Most attend trade school for two years and live in poorly-run government dormitories.

From the day of their graduation, they are disadvantaged by limited education, inadequate life skills, and little to no family support. Because they feel rejected, lonely, and hopeless, they are vulnerable to peer pressure and destructive behavior. Many are lost to a world of drugs, alcoholism, prostitution, crime, and suicide.