Miory Regional Executive Committee
The New Year celebration for refugee families in Vitebsk brought sincere emotions, a touch of warmth and care to every child.
– This is our joint initiative with the Belarusian Union of Women. By tradition, the New Year celebration is held for those who have arrived from areas affected by armed conflicts. Refugees began arriving in the Vitebsk region in 2014. Since 2020 alone, 502 people have sought our assistance. Most of them are women with children, primarily from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Currently, women with children from the Kharkiv region are residing in the Red Cross crisis center. We strive to do everything possible for their adaptation. For instance, women have found employment at the Vitebsk factory “Vasylina”, men work on a farm in Rudakovo. We assist in enrolling children in kindergartens and schools, – noted Galina Zhelanova, Chairwoman of the regional branch of the Red Cross.
Today, about 40 children from Ukrainian and Afghan families with temporary refugee status attended the holiday event featuring fairy-tale characters, Ded Moroz and Snegurochka. A vibrant performance with a circle dance around the Christmas tree and gifts was organized for them at the cultural and historical complex “Golden Ring of Vitebsk ‘Dvina’”.
– The main mission of the Union of Women is to involve various categories of children in New Year events, surround them with care and attention, and bring them a real fairy tale, – noted Marina Novitskaya, Head of the Main Directorate for Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee, and Chairwoman of the regional branch of the public association “Belarusian Union of Women”. – May today’s New Year snowflakes spin the children in a magical dance and grant all their heartfelt wishes. And most importantly, may they experience only positive emotions and live under a peaceful sky.
Natalia, a mother of many children, came to the Christmas tree event with Vika, Nika, and Georgy.
– We really like it here in Belarus. We currently reside in Lyozno, we have good housing, and there are all the conditions for our children’s development. We are grateful for the assistance provided by the Red Cross and the Belarusian Union of Women, – shared Natalia. – Our children really enjoy these holidays. We are all glad that we are always welcomed here as if we were at home.