BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

12/07/2007

Friendship and fashion put a smile on Belarus kids' faces

By Robert Fairbairn

IF first impressions count, then 22 children from Belarus have fallen in love with the Scottish Borders already.

Kind-hearted Borderers and businesses have been rallying round to ensure the visit of the youngsters - who all live in the contaminated area of the Chernobyl nuclear power station explosion 21 years ago - is a memorable one.

It has been estimated that just by having a month's holiday in a clean and healthy area such as the Borders, it can increase the child's expected lifespan by up to two years.

After flying into Edinburgh Airport on Sunday, the Belarus kids were driven down the A7 and A68 to settle in with their respective host families who they will live with for four weeks.

And on Tuesday, they made their first public outing to Galashiels where they experienced the generosity of the Borders folk first hand.

First stop was Borders College in Melrose Road for a clothing exchange. This involved the youngsters being kitted out with virtually whole new wardrobes as they crammed as much clothing into suitcases which they will take back to Belarus.

The clothing had been donated by local people and stored at Borders College for the exchange which had a Christmas morning feel about it as the youngsters raked through piles of clothing.

In fact, so much clothing had been handed in it was all too much for them to carry and the remainder is set to be sent to Romania through Blythswood Care.

At lunch time, it was off to McDonald's in Wilderhaugh for a meal of burger and chips courtesy of the global giant.

The youngsters could not hide their delight when Galashiels branch manager Steven Watson invited the party back for another lunch at the end of their four-week visit.

While they were lunching, Galashiels Rotarian-turned- delivery driver Johnny Gray arrived on the scene to hand over fruit baskets to each of the 11 host families donated by the Co-op supermarket.

If that was not enough, the youngsters then paid a visit to the Tesco superstore where they were treated to six months supply of vitamins, hats, scarves, gloves and underwear.

Chernobyl Children Lifeline Borders Link committee member Eileen Buchan said it was a great start to the holiday for the Belarus kids who are all aged between eight and 13.

She explained: "We are extremely grateful to Borders College, McDonald's and Tesco for their generosity in kitting out and feeding the youngsters.

"It is just another example of the goodwill which is being shown towards the visit of the Chernobyl children.

"To be honest, there are so many people to thank for all their help and assistance and donations, but they know who they are.

"However, the visit would not be possible without the host families.

"It is down to them that we are able to bring over a record number of 22 children this year and they really seem to be bonding as a group."

Interpreter

Iryna Buhor said the efforts of everyone involved was appreciated.

She commented: "I am sure the children are going to have a wonderful time. It looks a beautiful area to stay and already we have had so much kindness shown towards us."

The youngsters are staying with host families throughout the Borders, including Jedburgh, Bowhill, Galashiels, Blainslie, Lauder, Hawick, Selkirk, St Boswells, Kelso, Earlston, Walkerburn and Langshaw.

From the whirlwind start, there are still plenty of more outings on the children's itinerary during the next four weeks.

Trips are planned to Scotia Kids in Galashiels, the Seabird Centre at North Berwick, Bowhill Estate, Farne Islands, Kingsknowes Hotel in Galashiels, Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick, Neidpath Castle in Peebles, Coldingham Beach, Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctuary at St Boswells, Galashiels Fire Station and Lauder Common Riding.

Source:

http://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?sectionid=968&articleid=3025013