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Murmansk Nanny/Sister Project Report

This program was started in 2001 for babies in orphanages to receive added attention from "babushka." Babushka in Russia means grandmother; while many of our so-called grandmothers are young students, the effect is the same. The babies and toddlers who participate in the program receive a visit one to four times per week from a granny or auntie. The same woman always visits the same child or children and the results have been wonderful. Even when children are hospitalized for any reason, their nannies continue to visit them while in the hospital, often this is the only familiar face they see while in the hospital.

Children are chosen for this program by the head doctor in each orphanage and are not necessarily children eligible for adoption, but are those children who for whatever reason can benefit greatly from some extra love and attention.