An international project to support former prisoners who suffered from National Socialism has been launched in Vitebsk
A two-year international project "Social Partnership for Former Prisoners of War and Victims of National Socialism" has been launched in Vitebsk. Within its framework, elderly people are involved in active social activities.
The project became possible thanks to the financial and organizational support of the international program "Meeting Point: Dialogue", the German Federal Foundation "Remembrance, Responsibility and Future" and the international non-governmental association "Mutual Understanding". Partners in Belarus include Vitebsk State Medical University, PSU named after P. Masherov, Territorial Center for Social Services for the Population of the Oktyabrsky District of the regional center, Secondary School No. 38.
Mikhail Luzgin, Deputy Chairman of the regional organization of the public association "Belarusian Association of Former Juvenile Prisoners" , reported that the main goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of the elderly, involve them in the active life of society, and create conditions for intergenerational dialogue. For this purpose, the club "Age is Not a Problem for Us" has been established, and group health improvement activities, hobby clubs, self-help groups, participation in conferences, cultural and mass events, and excursions are planned. Elderly people will be able to visit exhibitions, theaters, and cinemas for free. Also, with the support of young volunteers, memories of former juvenile prisoners of fascism will be recorded, and meetings with representatives of management bodies, lawyers, and social workers will be held.
The target group of the project is 150 elderly people, 30 of whom have difficulty moving. Volunteers plan to take the latter under special care. In total, there are more than two thousand former concentration camp prisoners in the regional center. If they wish, they can also participate in various project programs. More detailed information can be obtained from the chairmen of the district organizations of former juvenile prisoners.
Alexander Kutynko, "Vitebskiye Vesti"