gvardeyskaya boarding school

The Gvardyeskaya orphanage complex was built in 1962 in the Simferopol suburb of Gvardeyskom. Initially, it was a regular school. From 1967 to 1998 it was a boarding school. Since then, it has operated as an orphanage for the mentally retarded and for children whose parents are unable to care for them. The main building is a three-story structure which contains the classrooms and living quarters for the children. The grounds also contain buildings that are a hospital, laundry, and heating room. We currently care for 196 children - 26 are mentally retarded who have been orphaned, and the remainder have parents unable to care for them due to severe poverty. In addition to some basic classroom work, the mentally retarded children receive basic vocational training - the boys learn to make things with wood, and the girls with fabric. Hopefully this training will prepare them for a productive life outside the orphanage.

***Gvardeyskaya is urgently in need of gently used clothing, shoes, sandals, and coats for children ages 7 to 18. New or gently used items can be sent to the address at the top of this page. Thank you for your help!!!***