A "Belarus" mini-tractor was gifted to a family-type children's home in the Rossony district.

An unusual gift was received today by the pupils of a family-type children's home from the agro-town of Klyastitsy, Rossony District. Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, and Dmitry Khoma, Head of the Main Department for Education of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, presented them with a brand-new Belarus mini-tractor in the presence of the district leadership.

The Kotovs currently raise six children left without the care of their biological parents. And, as it turned out, the story of such an unconventional pre-New Year's surprise for them is quite extraordinary. A year ago, as part of the "Our Children" campaign, while congratulating the pupils of this family children's home on the upcoming holiday, Vladimir Terentyev took note of a casual remark. The foster father, Anatoly Anatolyevich, spoke then about how he and his wife are teaching the children to work the land. He himself had worked as a tractor driver in the local farm all his life, and his wife is also a renowned gardener. They raised two of their own children and have four grandchildren growing up – all diligent, hardworking people. And now, under the careful guidance of adults, six pupils are enthusiastically engaged in growing vegetables: sixteen-year-old Dasha, fourteen-year-olds Igor and Ruslan, twelve-year-old Yulia, eleven-year-old Andrey, and even three-year-old Daniil.

"We could use a tractor," Anatoly Kotov dreamed aloud then. "We could also increase the land plot – greenhouses, garden beds, an orchard… We are running out of space, although we fully provide our family with everything necessary – not only vegetables but also berries and fruits. My wife, Anna Leonidovna, makes jam and preserves compotes with the girls. The products are tasty and environmentally friendly. We even treat our neighbours. We cultivate about half a hectare, but we could handle a hectare. We would also like to expand our subsidiary farm – for now, we only have chickens and ducks. But the problem is that you can't do much with bare hands…"

Well, dreams are meant to come true. And here it is, the dream machine, gleaming with fresh paint, adorned with bows and bright balloons, has arrived right in the yard. In addition to the "Belarus" tractor, a trailer implement – a special three-furrow plough – was delivered to the family-type children's home. By the way, this beautiful two-story cottage, where the tractor will be registered, was built here, in the center of Klyastitsy, seven years ago. The elder foster children of the Kotov family were the first to move in. Together with the adults, they laid flowerbeds, equipped the playground, and decorated the estate with figures of funny cartoon characters.

…And so, it came true! The compact red mini-tractor gently snorts its engine and winks its headlights. Three-year-old Daniil is the first to sit behind the wheel. He is delighted…

– A gift with meaning, – smiles Vladimir Terentyev. – May the children, who are growing up here with care and attention, learn to stand firmly on their own feet, love their small homeland, and be independent in all their endeavors. And the first work skills acquired here, in the family children's home, will become an excellent foundation for building their own strong and reliable families in the future.

A Christmas tree, sweet gifts, and a festive table – other surprises awaited the children on this day. May their lives continue to be generous with joyful events and sincere care.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by