Russia
Click on the map for CIA World Factbook information on Russia
The Opportunity
Though the challenges have been many since the fall of Communism, Russia remains a center of activity and opportunity within the former Soviet Union. By far the largest country of the world in terms of geography, Russia now represents one of the fastest growing opportunity centers in Europe and Asia. While many people speak of the opportunity for financial growth in Russia, WWYC thinks Russia can be the center for a powerful move of spiritual growth in this great land.
We believe that the soil of Russia is one that needs a generation of tilling in order to see the kinds of receptivity that many of us grew accustomed to in the 1990's. With so many opportunities for travel, education, economic growth, and academic pursuits, many professionals have little time to think of matters of faith. Conversely, there are the children of Russia. Optimistic, intelligent, and eager, they are the face of the future of this great country. By planting the seed of Christ into their hearts, we are more confident than ever that the prospect of this great country will be one where more and more people honor God and openly proclaim his name.
Number of Children or Camps Affected
WWYC currently works in 3 camps every summer with standing invitations for additional camps. Unique to our Russia programs, WWYC staff is responsible for every aspect of the child's day except for preparing and serving meals. From the time they wake up until lights out at night, we are in these children's lives and have full access to them. This affords us innumerable chances to connect with them and assist them as they begin their faith journey.
Strategy
Our strategy in Russia is very much based on partnering with existing camp organizations instead of starting our own initiatives. This provides us access to groups of young people we would never have access to otherwise. The main type of camp we carry out in Russia is language camps. English language camps are all over Russia but we add extra value to our Russian partners' existing camps by bringing in 15-20 native speakers of English. For two weeks, children whose parents want them to develop their English language ability have the chance to work, play, create, and relate with children, teenagers, college students, and adults from the United States. This is something no other language school in Novosibirsk and very few in the entire country of Russia can provide. Because of the trust our partners have in us, they allow us full freedom to teach whatever we want. While there are some variances to this approach, language schools with partners who know us and trust us are at the core of our strategy in Russia.
