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Svyatoslav Petrov
Submitted by rogerspenny on January 10, 2008 - 12:37pm.
 | Svyatoslav Petrov |
| junior (high school), Ravenscroft Achievements: Svyatoslav Petrov developed "Preserving a Nation" (PAN), an international sanitation educational program. The objective of this program is to help those children affected by an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in 1986. Many of these children struggle with immune-deficiency conditions and have not learned important sanitation measures that could improve their health. Petrov's mission is to teach these children about basic hygiene, prevent disease and infection, and to hopefully strengthen their immune systems. Petrov raised $500 for his cause and also collected $4,000 worth of donated equipment to help him teach the children. He then recruited and trained local Russians willing to help his foundation. In a period of three weeks he was able to prepare six volunteers for the 35 Russian orphans who were coming to stay in America for the summer through a local church program and attend his session. Along with emotional relief, the children received schooling in topics such as nutrition, exercise, hygiene, drug prevention and even spiritual health. At the completion of the program, each child received a kit and a book written in Russian to take home with them. These tools act as reminders of all of the skills that they learned in America. Those students who complete the course receive a special "PAN International" certificate of achievement. The students even sign a pledge promising that they will stay away from all abusive substances such as tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Petrov notes that this experience has been as important to him as it was to the children. He feels that he has found a calling in life. When reflecting on his project, Petrov said, "I can still remember their faces. That is the most memorable part: when they look at your face with their wide-opened eyes full of trust." Submitted by: Penny Rogers |
