Nina Wells is a New Zealander with big plans and a big heart. Having just moved to Moscow less than a year ago, Wells, a social worker with a love for all things new, is now spending her time with some of Moscow’s charities and developing NGOs. She’s already made a world of difference to many children in Moscow. These kids are without families or have Down syndrome. Their lives are grim, but with the help of Wells and others like her, these kids’ futures are looking brighter. LifeStyle caught up with Wells and found out more...

Name: Nina Wells

Country of origin: New Zealand

Occupation: Children & Families Social Worker

When did you arrive in Moscow?

I arrived in November of 2002. It was so cold and it only got worse!

What brought you to Russia?

My partner got a transfer with this London job to Moscow, I was interested in finding out more about children from orphanages and a different system of meeting social needs – so it worked for both of us.

What charities are you involved with?

I’m involved in two charities. The first is Maria’s Children. It’s a fantastic art center for children from orphanages. Here the children learn all sorts of skills and gain confidence so they are ready to face the world when the leave the orphanage. Even then it is a pretty rocky ride for many of them.
The other one is Downside Up. This is another fantastic NGO that is providing early intervention for children with Down syndrome and their families. They are also working to change the attitudes of the health system and the community about Down syndrome. I’m involved with the charity bike ride.

Can you tell me about the bike ride for Downside Up?

The Bike Ride is a 250 km ride around the small towns just outside of Moscow ending with a ride into Red Square. All the money we raise goes toward the projects that Downside Up are involved in. A record number of 90 people are participating this year and many businesses are sending teams.

What are your hobbies?

I like hiking, mountain biking and traveling.

What’s your favorite place in Russia or in Moscow?

Kolomenskoe Park by the Moscow river is a magical place in the summer and winter. Arkangelskoe is not bad either.

What do you like most about Moscow?

The gypsy cabs are great. Compared to the London Underground the Moscow Metro is fantastic. I love the summer and outdoor cafes and terraces. And also, I love the unpredictability of this place.

Do you have any plans for the future

I hope to do some more traveling, perhaps I’ll take the Trans-Siberian down to Beijing. There is so much to see!

Learn more about Downside Up by checking out the Web site at www.downsideup.org or contact downsideup@downsideup.org.