BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

04/08/2006

It's hot stuff for Belarus children

By Marcus Leroux

IMPOVERISHED children from Belarus are being given a break from life under the radioactive shadow of Chernobyl.

The 12 children, aged between five and 12, were brought to Swindon from the town of Zaslowya. The town still suffers from the after-effect of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

The youngsters, who are staying with host families, are on a trip organised by the Zaslowya Project.

The charity brings hope to children from the former Soviet republic by taking them on trips to Swindon twice a year, and by sponsoring them through school.

Eight-year-old Karena Doroshko was certainly enjoying her day out as she was shown around Westlea Fire Station.

"I'm really enjoying Swindon. So far I've liked Chessington World of Adventures best," she said.

The children's interpreter Lena Baturo sees the difference the work done in Swindon makes back in Belarus.

She said: "It's so important. Most of these children's parents have no money or are alcoholics. They have a different life.

"It's very positive for them to be able to come here and see different things in a new place."

Charity chairman Mark Gillingham said the holiday provided long-lasting benefits to the children.

"It's mental relief as well as physical relief. We keep an eye on the schools when they get back, and it will completely turn around their schooling," he said.

"They really start to have a different attitude. We get feedback from the schools and the teachers in Belarus really appreciate it."

He added: "For lots of the children this will be their first holiday away from home.

"Many live with guardians or in orphanages. The facilities that are available in Belarus are frankly very limited.

"During the holidays children from socially deprived backgrounds often to go a sanatorium. It's part of the old Soviet system."

Ann Bint, from Ferndale, is hosting children for the first time and said she will definitely open her door to them again. "The children have been great, and to see their faces light up is just fantastic," she said.

"At first I was a bit afraid and didn't know what to expect. It's definitely worth it. And they're definitely tidier than my own children!"

Beena Khan, from Sparcells, is also hosting two children.

She said: "They keep you very busy. It's great seeing them come out of their shells.'' Leading firefighter at Westlea, Paul Lawler, was delighted with how much the children enjoyed the station.

He said: "Obviously they have tough lives, but they're all laughing and joking. It's nice to be a part of it."

The children are staying in Swindon until August 11.

Last night they went to see the speedway.

Other highlights will include watching Swindon Town's first fixture of the season.

Source:

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/swindonnewsheadlines/display.var.865096.0.its_hot_stuff_for_belarus_children.php