For the past 20 years, the Republican Our Children charity event has accompanied New Year and Christmas celebrations, with festive markets, bright illuminations and beautiful fir trees in our central squares.
Every December, a marathon of kindness begins — to help children whose lives lack joy and the belief in miracles: children from orphanages and without parents, disabled boys and girls, and those who need to spend a lot of time in hospital. This year is no exception, with Minsk’s Palace of Children and Youth inviting 220 youngsters from across the capital: children from families on low incomes and in need of social support.
Charity events will last for a month, until January 10th, explains the Head of the Department of Social, Educational and Ideology Work at the Education Ministry, Maria Sorotnik. She tells us that Our Children unites state and public efforts to achieve the goal of reaching out to those in need. Among those involved are top officials, heads of ministries, representatives of banks and public organisations and those with warm hearts.
Each year, the event makes new contacts, with invitations being sent out on September 1st (as the new school year begins) or in coincidence with the jubilees of social-pedagogical establishments. The organisation’s success is evident in the smiles of children, and in the many events organised for children from large families, those being raised by foster families, those in hospital and residing in social orphanages, in special educational and treatment establishments, and in centres of correction and rehabilitation. Two new family type orphanages are soon to open in the Mogilev Region’s Krichev and Klichev districts, allowing children without parental care to celebrate the New Year in a family environment. Truly, this is a wonderful present.
On December 24th, 2,370 children aged 8-14 will gather from across the country, around the fir tree outside the Palace of the Republic.
By Anton Kostyukevich
