Russian street children given a chance

July 2, 2001
Web posted at: 5:04 PM EDT (2104 GMT)

Curriculum connections: Social Studies

Have students read the CNNfyi.com article, "'Child by child,' group aids homeless street kids", then ask the following questions:

NOTE: If you use CNN NEWSROOM in your classroom, refer to today's videotape for the same story in broadcast format. Ask students to compare and contrast the formats in terms of information and presentation. Does either the broadcast or Web version work better for this story? If so, why? If you are not familiar with CNN NEWSROOM, go to the CNNfyi.com NEWSROOM page to learn how you can use it in your classroom.

1. How many children are believed to be homeless in Russia? How have local Russian authorities responded to this problem? Why do you think many of Russia's homeless children are treated with such disdain by local authorities?

2. How would you describe the conditions under which Russia's homeless children live? Who is Christina Greenberg? What is she doing to help these children?

3. Why do you think an increasing number of Russian parents are abandoning/neglecting their children? Refer students to the links below and other resources to learn about the underlying political and economic factors that have contributed to this social problem. Have students consider the extent to which the political transition of the former Soviet Union contributed to the increase in disenfranchised Russian families and homeless children. After students present their findings, ask the following: What interventions do you think would help to prevent Russian children from becoming homeless? Do you think the international community should be involved in addressing Russia's child welfare issues? Why or why not? Are there similarities between Russia's social problems and social problems in your community or country? Explain.

4. In the story, we learn about Christina Greenberg's efforts towards improving the quality of life for some of Russia's children. What basic freedoms and rights do students think all children should be able to enjoy? Direct students to the last Web site below for a summary of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child. Have students read the summary and discuss what steps governments could take to guarantee these rights.

U.S. woman working to save Siberian street children
May 21, 2001

VOY: Rights
UD_Street Children
Voices of Youth: Children's Rights

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