Kitski Institution
Kitski was built by the Soviets in the early 50’s and is in a remote mountainous region outside the town of Zestaphoni. The families of this area have some of the lowest per capita income ~ there simply are no jobs. Kitski Institution/School serves 175 local children and youth whose families cannot afford to feed and clothe them. The three huge, dilapidated buildings were left abandoned by the government. In 2006 we initiated and successfully launched a Sponsor-a-Child program which provides nutritional, balanced meals, medical and dental checking, and medicines to every child.
Through the assistance of private donors and partnerships with other organizations we have been able to renovate bedrooms and classrooms ~ we have purchased beds, bedding, replaced broken window glass, put rugs on splintered floors, purchased textbooks, clothing, and a private donor even paid for all the winter utilities so the children would have heat in the coldest of winters. These are just a few of the projects completed at Kitski.
As with the other institutions the sewer/plumbing and water systems were inoperative. We partnered with the US Dept. of State (UMCOR) and built bathrooms, showers and a sewer system. The structural needs are still great, but of greatest importance are the welfare, safety and health of these at-risk and marginalized children.
Under the wonderful and compassionate Directorship of Hamlet and his staff, the children are surrounded by love as they are being fed, clothed and cared-for. In this safe haven the children are filled with joy and laughter!
Click here for more photos at Kitski!