Visit to Yuzhnoukrainsk Orphanage – A Heartfelt Beginning to 2012
The year 2012 began on an inspiring note as a special delegation, including Tara MacIntosh from Canada, visited the Yuzhnoukrainsk Orphanage on February 23, 2012. The visit brought immense joy to the children, staff, and to my father — it was truly a memorable event for everyone.
Just a few months earlier, in November 2011, Tara and I had joined the opening ceremony of I WILL’s 5th Computer Learning Center via Skype from Toronto. Deeply moved by that experience, Tara decided to visit the orphanage in person — a gesture that filled the children and teachers with excitement and gratitude.
We were warmly welcomed by the orphanage’s principal, Yaroslava Melnik, an extraordinary leader dedicated to her students. After touring the facilities, we held an open-table discussion with the staff about the children’s needs, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for future collaboration. It was deeply rewarding to see firsthand how I WILL’s computer class has transformed so many young lives.
A video of the visit was recorded to capture these precious moments, and everyone left with hearts full of warmth and unforgettable memories.
The local newspaper later published an article expressing the community’s appreciation for I WILL’s continued support. In the featured photo, Tara MacIntosh is seen presenting the children with colorful bracelets from Canada — a small gift that brought big smiles.
