Learnt Lithuanian
The parents of Dimitrijus (name changed) cared more of alcohol than of children and thus, at the early age of four, the boy settled in the children’s home. He remembers he could only speak Russian and being a problem child. “After some time, I started speaking Lithuanian. Also, I learnt to share. You see, at first I wanted that all things belonged to me”, said Dimitrijus. At the age of 14, Dimitrijus started working in the children’s home. He used to lay and clean the tables, wash the dishes and perform other household chores. “I would not spend the money earned. I used to take some for myself, and give the rest to the mentor, so that I would not be tempted to spend it”, said the young man.
Missed the family
The young man does not hide he really missed a true family. “Of course, I wanted to have someone who loved me and always care of me,” said Dimitrijus, who was living in the children’s home with his sister. Dimitrijus mentions he does not keep in touch with his mother and brothers, as they have caused too much pain. “I am OK being alone,” finished Dimitrijus about his family. Dimitrijus started living independently at a mentor’s place. The woman allowed Dimitrijus and his friend to stay temporarily in her come. “Having graduated from the secondary school, I started studying in a vocational school. According to the law, the orphans studying full-time receive the benefit of 520 litas per month. It is not a lot, but it comes in useful”, told Dimitrijus about the beginning of independent life. Volunteering in Czech Republic Dimitrijus got interested in volunteering after the volunteers from different countries started visiting the children’s home. During the summers of several years, he participated in youth exchange projects in Lithuania, Czech Republic, and Poland. After the first visit to the camp in Czech Republic, Dimitrijus took interest in volunteering possibilities in the country. “While volunteering, not only I learn of the culture and language of the country, but also share the experience with the young people of a similar fate. It is interesting to me how they start their independent life, what state support they receive”, said Dimitrijus. The young man helps the project managers in organising leisure for small children, handles administrative tasks and communicates with young people in families at risk.
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