A New Year's tree was held in Vitebsk for refugee families
– 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 began arriving in the Vitebsk region in 2014. Since 2020 alone, 502 people have sought assistance from us. Mostly women with children. The majority are from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Currently, women with children from the Kharkiv region are residing in the Red Cross crisis center. We are doing everything we can for their adaptation. For example, women have found employment at the Vitebsk factory "Vasilina," and men at a farm in Rudakovo. We are helping to enroll children in kindergartens and schools, – noted Galina Zhelanova, Chairperson of the regional Red Cross organization.
Today, about 40 children from Ukrainian and Afghan families with temporary refugee status attended the celebration with fairy-tale characters, Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). A vibrant performance with a round dance around the Christmas tree and gifts was organized for them at the cultural and historical complex "Golden Ring of Vitebsk 'Dvina'."
– 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 fairy tale, – noted Marina Novitskaya, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee, Chairperson of the regional organization of the public association "Belarusian Women's Union." – May the New Year's snowflakes whirl the children today in a magical dance and fulfill all their cherished wishes. And most importantly, may they have only positive emotions and peaceful skies.
Natalia, a mother of many children, came to the Christmas tree with Vika, Nika, and Georgy.
– We really enjoyed our time 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 help of the Red Cross and the Belarusian Women's Union, – shared Natalia. – Our children really like such holidays. We are all happy that we are always welcomed here as if we were at home.