Yana and Anya: a photo-essay by Polina Surnina and Ivan Kurinnoy

Oksana Makarevich and Andrey Rannev volunteer for Osoboe Detstvov Centre for Curative Pedagogics (CCP), a Russian charity that since 1989 has filled a gaping hole in the state provision of care and support to children with special needs (including autism, learning difficulties, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome) and their families.

As volunteers for the ‘Lesnom’ orphanage as well as CCP, on 2 May they were allowed to take to their dacha near Moscow two young girls with Down syndrome, Anya and Yana. During lockdown, in order to lower the risk of infection, the authorities permitted established volunteers to take home orphanage residents. In this photo-essay by Polina Surnina, we get an insight into the blossoming friendship between the four.

Yana is 14. Her best qualities are compassion, love for people, her ability to sense the emotional state of a person and her desire to help. “I don’t think one can learn these; one is born with them.” - Oksana about Yana.

Yana is 14. Her best qualities are compassion, love for people, her ability to sense the emotional state of a person and her desire to help. “I don’t think one can learn these; one is born with them.” - Oksana about Yana.

Anya and Yana became friends from the first day they found themselves in an orphanage together. The girls don’t speak much, but understand each other perfectly.

Anya and Yana became friends from the first day they found themselves in an orphanage together. The girls don’t speak much, but understand each other perfectly.

“Nyura [the affectionate name for Anya] is a wonder, you never know what to expect from her. How the evening will go, how she will be during lunch, dinner, when she will feel sad or naughty - these are all unknown. This makes our time together interesting and lively.” — Andrey.

“Nyura [the affectionate name for Anya] is a wonder, you never know what to expect from her. How the evening will go, how she will be during lunch, dinner, when she will feel sad or naughty - these are all unknown. This makes our time together interesting and lively.” — Andrey.

Yana is such an excited, happy girl. She welcomes every guest at the dacha with enthusiasm and a desire to communicate.

Yana is such an excited, happy girl. She welcomes every guest at the dacha with enthusiasm and a desire to communicate.

Andrey works as an events presenter, Oksana works in the legal system. They couldn’t imagine that they’d be given the chance of taking the two girls home for a month.

Andrey works as an events presenter, Oksana works in the legal system. They couldn’t imagine that they’d be given the chance of taking the two girls home for a month.

Joining a family home has transformed Yana and the way she behaves. The volunteers are determined to find her a foster family.

Joining a family home has transformed Yana and the way she behaves. The volunteers are determined to find her a foster family.

There was a daily schedule at the dacha. Firstly, all home chores were shared with the girls who helped with cooking and cleaning. The rest of the time was filled with drawing, games, walks in the forest, and meditation on the swing, which became Anya’s favourite activity.

There was a daily schedule at the dacha. Firstly, all home chores were shared with the girls who helped with cooking and cleaning. The rest of the time was filled with drawing, games, walks in the forest, and meditation on the swing, which became Anya’s favourite activity.

“They know that they can be funny and silly with me. I love taking long walks with the girls, we are a team and always help one another,” says Andrei.

“They know that they can be funny and silly with me. I love taking long walks with the girls, we are a team and always help one another,” says Andrei.

During their time at the dacha, specialists from CCP offered Andrey, Oksana, Yana and Anya constant support. They introduced them to special cards which improved communication with the girls.

Specialists from CCP offered Andrey, Oksana, Yana and Anya constant support. They introduced them to special cards which improved communication with the girls.

CCP psychologist Daria Bogolyubova-Kuznetsova also visited and gave advice to the girls and volunteers.

CCP psychologist Daria Bogolyubova-Kuznetsova also visited and gave advice to the girls and volunteers.

“I behave as if I would with my own children, having the same relationship and feelings of upset, understanding and forgiveness,” says Oksana.

“I behave as if I would with my own children, having the same relationship and feelings of upset, understanding and forgiveness,” says Oksana.

Occasionally, when Oksana needed a break, CCP volunteers came to the dacha to be with the girls.

Occasionally, when Oksana needed a break, CCP volunteers came to the dacha to be with the girls.

“Yana has an amazing sense of humour and she can laugh at herself. She’ll drop something, look for it for a long time and pretend she’s found it, to make a joke out of the situation.” – Andrey.

“Yana has an amazing sense of humour and she can laugh at herself. She’ll drop something, look for it for a long time and pretend she’s found it, to make a joke out of the situation.” – Andrey.

CCP is a Russian charity - any donations are greatly appreciated and help to keep the centre running for another month. You can find their website here in Russian, and in English.

Photographs by Ivan Kurinnoy

Rafy Hay