Children's Initiative Program organized a retreat training program in Almaty Resort "Samal" on November 12-14. Twenty-five participants of the project, mothers with children from socially disadvantaged families, settled down in the cozy rooms of the resort for three days.

The role of Jewish traditions in the modern family was the main topic for discussion at the retreat seminar. A special target of the seminar was the children and their parents in need of a mild, psychological correction. It is not a secret that outside of a familiar environment people change their patterns of behavior which gives a great opportunity to get rid of negative habits in communication.

We invited families with similar problems in communication and behavior. Being in a new environment for several days leads to the establishment of mutual understanding and respect, helps to identify unconscious problems, eliminate repetitive errors, and negative ways of communication.

We met Shabbat all together. It was prepared by Julia Davydovna Golandskaya who is well-known for her devotion to tradition. Avdala will be long remembered by our little Jewish participants. With the help of the Children's Initiative Program, mothers try to give their children the best to ensure their full development and Jewish identity. Julia Davydovna spoke about the role of the father and mother in a traditional Jewish family.

Psychologist Natalya V. Pshenina conducted exciting trainings. The most interesting task was to make a presentation of your family. Everyone from young to old talked about their family traditions, family origins, and stories. Large, painted posters demonstrated interest in the history of one’s family. Participants were surprised how much information they were able to remember and learn about themselves!

One evening was devoted to Jewish fairy tales, the fount of folk wisdom. The event, planned for the children, aroused a great interest with the adult members of the community.

We were lucky with the weather and could enjoy the autumn gentle sun, a fall of golden leaves. Walks in the fresh air gave a full charge of cheerfulness and health. The children could run as much as they wanted.

Everybody became close friends with each other and nobody wanted to leave on the 14th. The project participants expressed their gratitude for the three wonderful days in Resort "Samal" to the sponsors - the Joint Committee and Hesed "Polina".

Zhanna Danilenko, Natalia Pshenina