On September 28, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. Language training classes for refugees have been opened in Vitebsk and Gomel, reports BELTA correspondent. In Vitebsk, a language training class for refugees has been established at the P.M. Masherov University, and in Gomel, at the F. Skorina University. The funds allocated for these purposes amounted to approximately 20,000 euros in total. The opening of language training classes for refugees has been implemented within the framework of the EU-UNHCR project "Integration of Refugees in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine". At the opening ceremony in Vitebsk, the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Sholeh Safavi, noted that this project has been implemented since 2009. Over the first three years, more than 600,000 euros were allocated for its implementation in Belarus, and a language training class for refugees was opened at the Belarusian State University. Since 2012, the second phase has been implemented with funding of 138,000 euros. However, in October, the organisation will consider the feasibility of doubling this amount. Emphasising the significance of the "Integration of Refugees in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine" project, Sholeh Safavi noted that the official opening of language training classes for refugees in Vitebsk and Gomel took place today, although they started functioning about two weeks ago. "During this short period, representatives of local authorities, interested departments and public organisations in the regional centres have been able to see their relevance in terms of language adaptation of refugees. This is a fundamental component of refugee integration into the host country's society," said Sholeh Safavi. The issue of opening similar classes in other regions of Belarus is not yet being considered due to the small number of recognised refugees there, but the possibility is not excluded, added the UNHCR representative. The solemn opening ceremony of the language training class for refugees in Vitebsk was attended by representatives of the UNHCR, P.M. Masherov PSU, F. Skorina GSU, BCRC, the Ministry of Education of Belarus, and the Department for Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Memoranda of cooperation were signed between them during the event.-0-

BELTA