First Bell in Odessa

This year was no exception. "First Bell" or the opening of school was held on September 1st at the Internot #4 in Odessa Ukraine. Everyone was present to hear the director welcome them back from summer camp. For those who are not familiar with the system here in Odessa, beginning on June 1st the children leave the boarding school orphanage (Internot) and are bussed to a camp on the sea shore where they remain for the entire summer. Most of the children are delighted to return "home" perhaps not for school to begin, but to just be back to a familiar and safe setting. This picture is of most of our children in the 4th class and the two eighth grade classes.