Kitezh and Orion Children’s Communities are wonderful places to live, work, and contribute to the lives of orphaned children. Volunteering at Kitezh and Orion is a most rewarding experience.
It is one of the safest places you could find to live in Russia. It is also an excellent opportunity to improve your Russian living amongst native Russian speakers.
You might be a Gap Year or Russian Language student, a Social Worker or a mature volunteer seeking a career break – all ages are welcome. Living with a family, you will have ample opportunity to practice Russian by participating in the daily activities like cooking, gardening, maintenance work, music, crafts and games.
And we need English speakers who are ready to help teach the children. Don’t worry if your Russian is not
so good – most of the residents speak English too!
We recommend a stay of three months.
For details, go to
Dates and Bookings
A Mutual ExchangeYour life experience will contribute to our children’s understanding of the world. Your time and energy will help the development of the community. In return, you will learn and grow through interacting and working with the residents of Kitezh and Orion. Our volunteers find that their time spent at Kitezh and Orion is a rewarding, uplifting and positive experience. It is also an unrivalled opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the Russian culture and language.
What strengths will you discover in yourself? What new skills will you learn?
Read our
Volunteers Testimonials to learn more
What is Kitezh Community?Kitezh Children's Community consists of two small villages, Kitezh and Orion, situated in Kaluga Region. Orion is quite close to Moscow, near Obninsk, and Kitezh is 300 km south of Moscow nearer the city of Kaluga.
Kids are our priority! These are rural communities of families who take care of their foster children as their own, in a truly child-centred environment. The main focus is Therapeutic Education for children and is a fascinating and enlightening experience. It will make you think about your own life and how you might raise your own family.
To learn more, go to
What to Expect 
Summer ProgrammeSummer volunteers integrate more easily into the community if they speak some Russian as the school is closed in June, July and August, so come prepared to do all sorts of different activities. The season is short and they really need help.
Kitezh runs summer camps in July and August for up to 60 children. It’s better to arrive in June before families go away on holidays and trips, so you can familiarise yourself with the routines and make some friends.
Volunteers in Orion are also very welcome in summer.
For more information visit
Dates and Bookings.