2009 Stories

Last year PET MO – Columbia began our partnership with the Orphan Grain Train. Our director and shop coordinator went and visited them in Nebraska. Three shipments have been sent to them. Now reports are beginning to come in from Nicaragua, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc. PET donors, volunteers and reliable distribution partners are the big pieces of the PET puzzle. We’re thankful for all of these!!!

April 6, 2009 email: "The family of Ainiddinov is rather large. There are twelve people in the family; six are physically disabled. The disabled members of the family are three sons aged between 43-49 and three daughters aged between 37-44 years. According to medical statements, the disabilities of the children are due to genetic disorders. This is one of the vulnerable families in Kulyab, the biggest city of Khatlon Oblast, which is located about 280 km from Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe. Both parents are pensioners and have limited sources of income. Living condition of the family is extremely poor due to the number of disabled, resulting in higher medical costs as well as fewer members of the family who are able to hold jobs and contribute financially to the family. The Ainiddinov family therefore relies mainly on generous external support from others.

This family was included in the distribution list. One out of the five all-terrain wheelchairs recently donated by Orphan Grain Train was provided to this family, together with some clothes and footwear.

After the successful distribution the family was visited and it was clear that the wheelchair had become one of the most essential items in the household. Nematullo Ainiddinov, the eldest son, mentioned that the wheelchair had come very handy for all of them and they share it between themselves. Nematullo says, "Now we can all visit other neighbors and attend community events". He also stated that his younger brother who writes poems now has more possibility to visit the local library, which will improve his creative development. The entire family expressed their gratitude for the assistance provided, particularly for the wheelchair."

Faythe Ann Jaroska, Administrative Assistant, Orphan Grain Train, Inc."