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senteo amigo
Who we are
In 2007, Senteo launched the Senteo Amigo charity program in an effort to help local children living in orphanages. Specifically, the Senteo Amigo program is intended to aligned our company’s humanitarian values with our vision of using “experiences” to give children living in Russian orphanages a chance to interact with positive role models, while fulfilling their need for individual attention and affection.
Senteo Amigos are those individual employees, partners, associates and friends who donate their time and money in an effort to afford our beneficiaries with social experience, as well as much-needed emotional warmth and affection. Together, we strive to offer each child love and personal attention so that they grow to lead more productive and balanced adult lives. We also make tangible contributions to provide these children with material comforts to enhance their childhood experiences as well.
All of our efforts would be lost without the day-to-day dedication and commitment of our Senteo Amigos. It is through the generosity of our benefactors and volunteers that we are able to make a difference and provide experiential opportunities for these children.
What we do, and what has happened so far
Senteo Amigos embrace the Senteo vision in that, Experience is Everything.
Our primary goal is to provide the children with unique and memorable experiences not normally within their reach.
The Senteo Amigo program is grouped into three main experience areas:
The Home Experience: Senteo Amigos assess the orphanages facilities and interact with the director and staff in order to compile a list of material items that will have a direct impact in the home lives of our children. We place emphasis on those things that will enhance comfort, leisure activities and a sense of “home.” In 2007, Senteo Amigos contributed kettles and microwaves, sports equipment, computers, Play Stations, DVDs and other electronic equipment. These contributions were made possible through the time and fund-raising efforts of our team, as well monetary donations from our benefactors
The Outing Experience: Senteo Amigos strongly feel that sometimes the best things in life are not “things.” In that sense, we provide the children with experiences that do not involve material possessions but rather shared activities. Senteo Amigos have organized bowling trips, outdoor excursions, nights at the movies, picnics and occasional concerts.
The Celebration Experience: Senteo Amigo regularly organizes and puts on parties designed to involve all the five senses. We surround the kids in a complete ambiance of celebration. Our gatherings usually include interactive games, karaoke, face painting, food and drinks. We also organize monthly birthday celebrations with gifts, cake and a fun-filled personal visit from our volunteer team members.
Our goal for 2008 is to add a fourth experience area, the Educational Experience. The Educational Experience will be designed to discover, enhance and provide learning opportunities to the most talented children.
Why we do it
There are an estimated 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 orphaned and homeless children living in Russia and the Ukraine. Of these, there are over 1,000,000 living today in orphanages in both countries. This means that approximately 180,000 to 200,000 children per year reach adult age without having had the experience of growing up in a family.
Statistics show that only 1 out of 10 of these children will become a functional member of societly. In fact, according to information published by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation in 2000, the following will happen to these kids after leaving orphanages:
- 50% fall into a high-risk category
- 40% become drug users
- 40% commit crimes
- 10% commit suicide
How we do it
Our principles are the philosophy that guides us to achieve our day-to-day goals:
- to prioritize ethics above any other value;
- to be committed to our cause;
- to establish long-term relationships with our children and Amigos;
- to enjoy what we do; and
- to be transparent in our management and finances.
We have themed all our actions: Help with a smile!
Of course, none of our activities are possible without the past and continuing economic support of our sponsors and volunteers. In 2007 one-hundred percent (100%) of donated funds went directly to the children, with maximum respect to ethics and transparency in our management. The administrative expenses and cost of resources have been entirely covered by Senteo and our team of volunteers.
Where
We currently sponsor two (2) orphanages in Russia and by the end of 2008 we will also be present in Ukraine. We are currently in the midst of creating a registered non-profit organization to reach out and provide assistance to those children within countries where Senteo is located .
How you can become a Senteo Amigo
Offering these life experiences to our young friends takes time and money. We have plenty of committed volunteers who are willing to donate their time to spend with the children. However, there is often a need for monetary donations.
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