Not Alone: Mentors for Russian Teen Moms, Children

Up to seven years Katya lived in the family, but her parents drank heavily and didn’t take care of her. Sometimes it was nothing to eat in their house. Since childhood, Katya lived in the street. When her parents were deprived of parental rights Katya was adopted by a woman living in the same house, mother of Katya’s friend. Being a teenager, Kate began to run away from home, and became pregnant at the age of 14. Then she entered “Teen Mom” Kidsave’s program.

In December, 2012 Katya gave birth to a son, Ilya. At the beginning it was difficult to her to take care of her baby as Katya was a child herself. But she willingly went to the contact with the experts of the program and quickly mastered all the wisdom of caring for the baby.

Kate was a good student in school, has always had an interest in arts: she loves to sing, dance, and to draw. Katya is always happy to take part in creative workshops that are conducted by volunteers and mentors of Kidsave.

Since her first steps in the program Katya wanted to have a mentor, she wanted to find a person whom she may trust. At one of the Kidsave’s events Katya met Oksana - beautiful, young woman, a successful businessman. Kate asked Oksana to be her mentor. At that time Oksana already was a mentor to another girl, but she agreed to take Katy as she understood how important it is for this girl.

Their relationship continues for six months. Oksana says that Katya has changed a lot. "Even her demeanor is different now", Oksana says. Katya became more confident, not afraid of her future, understand how important it is for her and her baby to graduate a college and got a stable job. September 1 this year, Kate went to college and is about to become a hairdresser.

Kate is not 18 by the moment, so she still lives in "Teen Mom" program. Oksana says in some ways Katya is more ready for independent living than some older girls in the program.