Those who have family are allowed to stay at home in the family apartment, but they are often alone during the day when others go to work or school, and there is little or nothing for them to do. Those whose families are unable to care for them are sent to a state run institution, where facilities are crowded and care is minimal. Drugs are routinely administered to keep things quiet. Needless to say, parents and neighbors alike are pleased that someone is finally trying to move forward with the care of Russia's disadvantaged people. In addition, at the request of the local schools English speaking residents have begun teaching English in classrooms and in private sessions as there are no longer any foreign language teachers in the area.
Further income is generated through the selling of vegetables, cheeses, potatoes, and crafts.
But despite earnest efforts from the entire community the village is simply not able to generate the funds necessary to run the place - nor develop it further. If you are interested in applying to come live and work in Svetlana, we would like to hear from you. Co-workers are provided room and board and a modest monthly stipend to cover personal expenses, and time off to travel and visit nearby St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Please contact Mark Barber in Svetlana for more details, including in your first letter your interest in coming, the approximate dates you'd be able to stay, and any other relevant information or questions. Due to a primitive telephone system, we cannot yet offer dependable contact through e-mail.