BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

29/12/2006

Belarus visitors have a high old time

By Emily Walker

CHILDREN from the area destroyed by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster have experienced a Swindon Christmas.

Six teenagers from Belarus arrived on December 20 to spend the Yuletide with host families.

Yesterday they visited West Swindon's Link Centre to have a go on the climbing wall.

Both of 14-year-old Andrei Savinov's parents died seven years ago. He now lives in a tiny, two-room flat with his older brother and grandmother who is sick.

Andrei said: "This is the first time I have ever done climbing and it's really fun. The best thing so far has been the presents I got for Christmas. I got a really good radio and some new clothes."

Andrei and the group's translator Lena Knizevich both stayed with one of the Zaslowya Project organisers, Shena Deuchars.

Lena said: "The children do not have good families. Many have problems because of their parents not being together. Their fathers are typically alcoholics, mothers often too. Spending Christmas with families that are together is quite different for them."

Belarus' economy and its people's health were seriously affected by radioactive fallout from the 1984 nuclear accident.

David Hartridge, who organised this year's trip, said: "Making friends and building relationships is as important as getting the chance to see a foreign country. Two girls who came over in the summer have come back because the families they stayed with invited them. It isn't just about bringing them here - we also send money for essential items out to Belarus."

The Zaslowya Project raises funds to pay for the children's flights, but the number of people they can help is limited.

"If local businesses could help out, we could offer the same opportunities to many more children," said Mr Hartridge.

For more information on becoming a host or making donations, call 01793 790404 or visit www.zaslowya-project.org.uk

Source:

http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/display.var.1094746.0.belarus_visitors_have_a_high_old_time.php