For the past 14 years, Project Life has been bringing international orphans of war or natural disaster to the United States.

In Waterport, Orleans County, the kids are eager to learn the American culture. The kids, ranging in age from 9 to 12, are learning English.

“This year we have children from the Caucases region of Russia. So, Chechnya and the neighboring county of Ingushetia, where there has been an ongoing civil conflict," Deborah Wilson, Project Life’s director said.

“Each of the four children has suffered a huge loss. Many of the children have lost both of their parents, both mother and father. Some of the kids have only lost one parent,” Wilson said.

The Orleans County-based non-profit, the World Life Institute has brought 120 children to the U.S. They come from countries like Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bosnia. Each summer, a new group of children come to Waterport for a three-month stay.

“They really appreciate the very simple things like being able to hop on the bike and being able to ride around without fear of landmines or any shooting or dangers,” Wilson said.

Volunteer Madina Martazanova is from Ingushetia. She serves as translator and teacher. Martazanova offers support for the Russian children and also teaches the American children how to speak Russian.

During their stay the kids will be immersed in American culture, seeing the sites and having a carefree summer.

“Kids who are coming here they don't have much in Ingushetia. They lost house, lost parents. They are very closed inside. But when they are going home, parents say there is a big change. They are more open,” Madina Martazanova, said.

Martazanova came last summer to chaperon kids from her town, but she never went home.

“I met someone here and I married," Martazanova said.

The 24-year-old married another Project Life volunteer, Noah. Now, the couple is working together to help the children and opening its home as a host family.

Project Life War Orphans Rehabilitation Project