Patience and labor: how residents of Nizhny Novgorod boarding schools become independent

      May 4, 2026 12:16 Society One of the important problems of the system of psycho-neurological boarding schools (PNI) is total idleness, where people wander the corridors all day or lie in their beds. Meanwhile, many of the residents are capable of working and want to earn money themselves. Talented individuals who used to paint or carve wood end up in PNI but abandon their creativity due to health issues. To help PNI residents spend their time productively, in 2024, the social project of the People's Front "Region of Care" opened workshops in the Borsky and Avtozavodsky boarding schools. Gradually, from a hobby group, they grew into a community of like-minded individuals who now help others and even earn from their creativity.

      Thread, needle, knot, and... a clothing collection In the workshop of the Borsky PNI, work is in full swing—sewing machines are buzzing, several guys are sewing duvet covers, someone is cutting out a new t-shirt, and someone is sketching a future applique for a hoodie. But it all started in a small room with pieces of felt and the very first stitches.

      "Some guys couldn't even thread a needle. We had to approach each one, help them, and they learned to tie knots," recalls Lyubov, the head of the sewing workshop.

      But gradually the workshop developed: charitable funds were used to purchase equipment, fabrics, threads, and sewing accessories. The director of the PNI allocated a larger space—thus the workshop "Dar" was born—a home for original works.

      "At first, many guys came to the workshop—everyone was curious to see what it was and to try their hand at it. Now, a core group has formed of those who want to develop in this area," Lyubov said.

      Workshop participants are already taking on complex projects. Last autumn, they sewed a clothing collection and showcased it at an inclusive festival in Nizhny Novgorod. The masters of the Borsky PNI participate in fairs and sell their products there. At the beginning of this year, they sewed a batch of bed linen for a shelter in the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), where they help the terminally ill, lonely, and elderly people, as well as adults with disabilities. The institution opened last autumn thanks to the joint efforts of the People's Front, the "Region of Care" project, the Presidential Grants Fund, the authorities of the LPR, and charitable organizations. Master and artist The most experienced participant of "Dar" is Alexander. He is entrusted with the most complex tasks—setting in sleeves, sewing zippers. He learned to sew in the orphanage and received a third-class seamstress qualification in his youth. However, he had no opportunity to realize his skills until the workshop opened.

      "I dream of sewing not only for the residents of the boarding school but also for people living outside the PNI, for example, for doctors. I want to be useful," he confessed.

      The project for the shelter fulfilled his dream. Alexander also mastered the technique of "quilling"—he assembles images from rolled thin strips of paper. The halls and rooms of the Borsky PNI are decorated with his artworks. Vasya—an aspiring entrepreneur Vasily ended up in the PNI from an orphanage. Educators taught him to embroider with smooth stitches and cross-stitch. This hobby gradually grew into a profession. Vasily intricately embroiders on clothing and shoppers, runs a group on social media, and successfully sells his products. He is assisted by the master Lyudmila.

      "I can't get a job because of problems with my legs, so I created a job for myself," Vasily explained.

      In December, the famous artist Karina Kino noticed Vasily. She spoke about him as her like-minded creative partner and gifted him an author course on embroidery. For Vasya, this became a real New Year's miracle, with so many gifts: recognition from a colleague, the opportunity to receive additional education, and a significant increase in followers in his group. More than anything, Vasily dreams of leaving the boarding school and living independently; his business is one of the important steps on this path.

      Workshops in Nizhny Novgorod's PNIs can only exist on donations—there is a constant need for fabrics, threads, and other materials, the costs of which are not included in the boarding school's budget. Details can be found on the "Region of Care" website. Author: Polina Garankina Photo: Anna Gladkaya The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+