A Child's Gate to Learning


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	Lithuanian

Child's Gate to Learning

After school center attendees participate in creative writing exercises.

About us

Mission

The mission of Child's Gate to Learning (Vaiko vartai i moksla) is to help the homeless and disadvantaged children of Lithuania to improve their educational achievement by providing learning and cultural opportunities, social activities, skills, and to integrate them into society as productive members.

History

Child's Gate to Learning is a Chicago, IL based, non-profit , volunteer organization founded in 1998. The group's founders wanted to help address the multiple social problems that emerged in Lithuania after independence was re-established in 1990, following 50 years of Soviet occupation. The Lithuanian people are still faced with high unemployment, poverty, alcoholism, disintegration of family structure, and many feel a sense of hopelessness. Truancy, delinquency, substance abuse, and suicide continue to be problematic. All of these social issues have had a devastating impact on the children and adolescents of Lithuania.

Child's Gate to Learning currently supports, by various fund-raising activities, ten after-school and day centers that work with children and youths from dysfunctional and economically disadvantaged families. It is estimated that more than 400 children each year benefit from group-supported programs at the centers. These programs are being developed by a subcommittee of experienced educators, social workers and other psychologists.

Members and Chapters

The organization has over 100 members. They donate their time, resources, educational materials, and contact individuals, local groups, and businesses for support and participation.

The organization is based in Chicago and has chapters in Cleveland, Detroit, New York City, Philadelphia, St. Petersburg and Sunny Hills (Florida), and Washington, D.C. Each chapter conducts various fund-raising activities throughout the year.

Contact Information

Child's Gate to Learning / Vaiko vartai i moksla
P.O. Box 381
Downers Grove, IL 60515
vvm@childgate.org