Jim Edie – Youth and Development Officer
Employed by Love Russia to work with Schools, Colleges, Youth Groups, Churches and Universities; Jim spends most of his time travelling the UK taking assemblies, getting involved with lessons or giving talks to students and the 18 to 30 age range, trying to raise the awareness of Russia’s forgotten children, that’s when he’s not out in Russia getting stuck into the work himself.
Jim initially got involved in Love Russia as a result of his own love for travel and exploration of new places and countries.  Having worked with youth for many years as a climbing instructor and summer school leader he decided to spend some time working out in Moscow with orphans and street children, visiting projects that Love Russia supports, going in and spending time with the children playing and trying to communicate with his limited Russian. 
“Something that quickly hit me when I first arrived in Moscow in 2002 was the type of poverty people were dealing with.  I’d done voluntary work, travelled and climbed in many countries around the world, parts of Africa, Nepal, and Chile to name a few, all of which are seen as developing nations, some with huge problems, but Russia was different.  The poverty in Russia struck me as something sinister or even ‘dark’.  The problems are often hidden away from view, especially when unwanted children are involved.  Therefore the opportunity to make a difference has been a real privilege.”There are huge challenges in Russia that Love Russia is trying to improve working in the thick of it with those that make the decisions about these children’s lives.   “If you feel your young adult, school, youth group or university should hear more ….. I challenge you to get involved!”

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Jacqui Cooke – Deputy Executive Officer
Jacqui’s early working years were spent in the publishing and newspaper industry. She has worked in South Africa as well as UK and has been able to bring some of those skills to the work of Love Russia. Although not working full time when her five children were young she became involved in a national voluntary organisation eventually becoming the National Organiser. Married to Alex they have worked closely alongside each other for many years enjoying ministering together when they first came to the Isle of Wight.
Jacqui initially ‘filled in’ at Love Russia when they found themselves without administration staff after relocating the office but was asked by the trustees to join the staff and work full time. Her work has developed through the years as she has been able to delegate the general admin of the office and has a keen interest in developing and speaking about the Yerlatma projects and Summer Camps in Russia.  One of Jacqui and Alex’s own sons had learning difficulties and they feel a special affinity with the children who have been categorised in Russia as uneducable and who are living in residential homes without family support.Jacqui visits Russia three to four times a year in order to support and keep up to date with developments in Russia and also accompanies Alex on ‘long haul’ speaking tours in the UK and America welcoming opportunities to speak within her own specialities.  At other times she oversees the office, develops campaigns with the help of Love Russia’s part time and volunteer staff and oversees the newsletters and publicity that supporters receive.

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