A New Year's 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 Women's Union. Traditionally, the New Year's celebration is held for those who have arrived from conflict zones. Refugees have been arriving in the Vitebsk region since 2014. Since 2020 alone, 502 people have sought assistance from us. Mostly 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 centre. We are doing everything possible for their adaptation. For instance, women have found employment at the Vitebsk "Vasilina" factory, and men at a farm in Rudakovo. We are assisting with enrolling children in kindergartens and schools, – noted Galina Zhelanova, Chairperson of the regional Red Cross organisation.
Today, around 40 children from Ukrainian and Afghan families with temporary refugee status attended the celebration with fairytale characters, Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). A vibrant performance with a round dance around the Christmas tree and gifts was organised for them at the "Golden Ring of Vitebsk 'Dvina'" cultural and historical complex.
– The main mission of the Women's Union is to involve various categories of children in New Year's events, surround them with care and attention, and give them a real fairytale experience, – stated Marina Novitskaya, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee and Chairperson of the regional organisation of the public association "Belarusian Women's Union". – May the New Year's snowflakes whirl the children in a magical dance today and fulfil all their cherished wishes. And most importantly, may they experience only positive emotions and live under peaceful skies.
A mother of many children, Natalia, came to the Christmas tree with her daughters Vika and Nika, and son Georgy.
– We really like it in Belarus. We are currently living in Liozno, we have good housing, and all the conditions for our children's development. We are grateful for the assistance from the Red Cross and the Belarusian Women's Union, – shared Natalia. – Our children really enjoy such celebrations. We are all happy that we are always welcomed here as if we were at home.