From a street kid into a policeman
Sergei (the name is changed) is only nine years old, and he already knows firsthand what the street, cigarettes and alcohol are. After his stepfather appeared in his family, the boy decided that he could not be his authority, and therefore began to run away from home, lived on the street and became familiar with many police officers in the city.
“My mother and I were always just two of us, but suddenly a strange man appeared and began to teach me and indicate what I can do and what I can’t. And it pissed me off.” – Sergey willingly shares with us the reason for his protests, which turned into long adventures, spending the night with “friends” and even just in the open air. The boy preferred friends who were 2-3 years older, he smoked with them, and at the age of 8 he was already constantly drinking alcohol. Sergei was known in all police stations, because only the police could find him in doorways and could take him home.
At one time, the boy’s mother, Anastasia, spent some time at Pilgrim. Nastya has a very difficult life: her mother had a severe alcohol addiction; she lived with her daughter in a house after a fire, where there was neither light nor water. From the constant horrors of life, the girl developed a strong stutter. Only when she was in the Republic Pilgrim, for the first time in her life, the girl saw and felt attention and care. After the release of Nastya, adult life did not become easy. At the age of 18, she became a single mother, and independently raised her son, as much as she could. She often told him about happy years in Pilgrim. That is why, when problems arose in the family, Nastya knew where to turn for help.
The first weeks in the children’s rehabilitation center, Sergei actively continued his path of protests. It was difficult to negotiate with him, because he began to argue and show dissatisfaction for any reason: “No one can tell me what to do, I won’t do anything, and I’m not going to study!” – Sergei declared to his educators and teachers.
However, at the same time, he willingly went in for sports, became interested in football, and actively participated in various competitions. Educators noticed that Sergei is well influenced when he is given some responsibility as a senior in the younger group. At such moments, the boy tried his best to cope with the tasks assigned. He also readily helped in the Bible studies for the little ones. Later he became one of the best students in the elementary grades. It inspired him, his parents and teachers even more.
Sergei’s mother, stepfather and younger sister often visited him in the center. Sergei is waiting for these meetings and his relationship with his stepfather is gradually warming up.
An undoubted victory and evidence of good changes in the boy’s life was an incident at a festive event, where juvenile police officers were invited. One of the leaders expressed gratitude to “Pilgrim” on behalf of himself and his family for now spending the weekend with them, and not once again looking for Sergei all over the city.
By the way, Sergei himself recently said that he had made his choice of profession. He dreams to become a police officer.
