The Russian invasion of Ukraine is – sadly – still ongoing, after more than 8 months. We continue to support the Alternatives to Violence (AVP) project in Ukraine which remains active, even though conditions are difficult. The AVP group in Moscow has also resumed work (with caution!). In addition we now support AVP work in […]
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has, understandably, had a large effect on our work. This newsletter gives a quick round-up of what has been happening. Work in Russia continues but is being impacted by international sanctions. Meanwhile there is a new project in Estonia to support refugees from Ukraine, and we have also been helping […]
The pandemic continues and one can’t say that life is “back to normal” – but the projects we support are thriving. Some have embraced “hybrid working” (part online, part face to face). And some have expanded their activities – including a 2,000-mile “expansion” halfway across Russia… To view and/or download the newsletter, click on the […]
To mark World Refugee Day 2021, our latest newsletter looks at refugees and migrants in Russia – the legal situation, what the numbers look like, how people arrived, and how asylum-seekers live. We also look at the Friends House Moscow projects that help children of refugees and migrants – with education, learning Russian, and integrating […]
What a year it has been. The projects that we regularly support were forced online by the pandemic, but they continue to work actively and make an impact. And new green shoots are appearing: we funded a new project this year in the south of Russia, and another exciting initiative with migrant kids, southwest of […]
“I saw also that there was an ocean of darkness and death, but an infinite ocean of light and love, which flowed over the ocean of darkness. And in that also I saw the infinite love of God; and I had great openings.” Although Friends are not supposed to have “sacred texts,” these words from […]
Conscientious objectors in Russia have a new online source of information. The Alternativshchik website is full of articles and news about “alternative service” which can be chosen instead of military conscription. There is a library of pacifist material, and a gallery showcasing recent “alternative servicemen”. Alternativshchik started life in 2006 as a printed newsletter which […]
Finding a career is tough, especially when you’re disabled. A project in Dzerzhinsk has been working with young adults who have physical or mental health problems, helping them to find a path in life and realise their potential. The photo is from a group therapy session. To read some of their stories, click on the […]
Our counsellor friends in Tatarstan don’t just help conscientious objectors. They also advise serving conscripts and their families. And they don’t refuse their help to young men who volunteer to join the army. This is the story of an 18 year old who signed up with the army and, on the way to his first […]
For the last year or two we have been helping the Refugee School in Moscow to stay afloat. Running a school for 80 kids is costly. We have been fortunate to get a series of donations and grants but now the money is running out: please help us to find more sources of funds. Read […]