Russia: Supporting Traumatised Children to Trust Again
Scotland’s Year of Young People is celebrating young people, encouraging us to value their contribution and create opportunities for them to shine. At Ecologia, we are privileged to see youngsters, both at home and abroad, growing in self-esteem and the ability to make a difference – all thanks to their parents, mentors, teachers, and you, our donors, volunteers, and supporters. You make it possible for great things to happen for our young people!
In schools in the Scottish Highlands, Growing2gether elicits the gifts of self-esteem and confidence. Jen reports:
At first, I was so shy and wouldn’t talk to anyone. I don’t like doing stuff in front of people because of my anxiety, but I ended up dancing! I now plan to work with children when I leave school.
At International Peace Initiatives, in Kenya, Bea says:
When I first came here, in 2009, I was very naïve and couldn’t understand anything. With time I began playing with other kids. Eventually I forgot all the problems I had. I’ve learned to be bold; to talk confidently with others. Here I feel loved; that I belong.
In Uganda, Sky Is The Limit’s founder, Rose Mugenyi, met Sam, whose parents were abducted by ADF rebels, at a refugee camp. He looked weak and sickly, so she brought him to Sky.
I am what I am because of Sky. I am lucky because Mama Rose saved me from the hands of the ADF rebels and I joined Sky, attained education up to college and now volunteer as a teacher at Sky! I pray that I may enter university.
And, in Russia, at Orion Children’s Community, Sasha says:
I came here 10 years ago. I’ve discovered that all difficulties can be overcome. Now I’m optimistic. I no longer doubt my strength and talents. I feel confident. I’m grateful to Orion for “growing the seeds” in my soul.
Read on to find out about the incredible things your support is achieving:
We hope you will enjoy the good news about our work around the world. If you feel inspired to give hope to more children, you can make your donation here:
Donate today to give more children like Bea, Sam, Jen and Sasha a fresh start
It takes huge commitment to raise children and support them into early adulthood. Our partners’ daily dedication has enabled hundreds of young people to realise their potential and contribute positively to their communities, and your support has made their inspirational work possible. Thank you! Please continue to support Ecologia and help us to reach more children like Bea, Sam, Jen and Sasha.
Liza Hollingshead,
Founder & Executive Director
Join our dedicated team of volunteers and experience the joy of giving back, while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the community
Your contribution has the power to make a difference in the lives of those in need, enabling us to continue our vital work and create positive change
“Building a world where every young person thrives.”
Ecologia Youth Trust supports children and young people to shape their futures sustainably. Keep up to date with our activities and projects by following us on social media!
Subscribe to our emails today to receive our latest news, updates, and inspiring stories.
*Names have been changed according to our child protection policy.
Subscribe to our emails today to receive our latest news, updates, and inspiring stories.
Susie has 30+ experience as a creative copywriter, editor, and proofreader, starting out as a 20-year-old copywriter in the Mad Men world of early 1990s advertising in South Africa. Ever since, she’s had a love affair with creative conceptualisation, thinking outside of the box, writing to a deadline, and being thrown in the deep end!
She took an MSc in Publishing at Edinburgh Napier University as a mature student, in 2015, and continues to keep herself busy working as a copy-editor, proofreader and copywriter in book publishing, corporate communications, and publishing project management.
Apart from her love of working with independent authors, Susie has a fondness for working in the third sector and likes to use her corporate communications and marketing experience to support projects close to her heart. She has lived and worked in the Findhorn area for 25 years, and has been involved in a number of third sector projects and organisations, and family businesses.
Working at Ecologia Youth Trust helps Susie to live in integrity with her values of supporting the next generation to be the best that they can be, and she sees it as a way to give back to Mama Africa, the beloved continent on which she was born.
Ellen joined the Ecologia team in June 2018 as Marketing and Communications Manager. Ellen has lived in Scotland for 6 years and has worked for non-profit and charitable organisations across varied fields. She currently shares her passion for helping young people through Ecologia Youth Trust and she works as a dancer and dance teacher in her spare time.
Robyn is the Associate Director of International Projects, having previously worked within the team as a Project Development and Marketing Officer from April 2019 until May 2021. As Associate Director, Robyn is co-leading the International side of Ecologia with Founder and Director, Liza Hollingshead, bringing a new energy into Ecologia as they look towards the future of the charity.
Liza is the founder of Ecologia and Director of International Projects. She was born and educated in South Africa and worked there as a high school teacher. She moved to live in the Findhorn Community in 1974. She started Ecologia in 1995 after being introduced to Dmitry Morozov, the founder of Kitezh Children’s Community in Russia, and was inspired to support the community in its mission to rescue orphaned children from institutions and give them homes, families and education in a supportive environment.
This led to projects supporting disadvantaged youth and children in South East Asia and in East Africa. TRead more about Liza’s story here.
