A pet therapy session was held at the Bogushevsk boarding house
A session of animal-assisted therapy was held at the Bogushevsk boarding school for children with psychophysical developmental disabilities, zoo director Irina Orlova told a BELTA correspondent.
An unusual New Year's gift was organized today by the Vitebsk Zoo in conjunction with the regional newspaper "Vitebskiye Vesti" and the "Vitebsk" television and radio company for the pupils of the Bogushevsk children's boarding school in the Sennensky district. The patrons brought not only a festive performance, sweets, and educational games, but also conducted a session of animal-assisted therapy – giving the children, including those who are severely bedridden and those who do not leave the institution, the opportunity to interact with a raccoon dog and ferrets. As a parting gift, they presented the boarding school with a pair of budgerigars – the children were delighted with the new cute and "talkative" pets.
In addition, on the same day, December 24, the main stage of city events within the framework of the "Our Children" campaign kicked off in Vitebsk itself, with the participation of heads of district administrations, representatives of city and regional authorities. For example, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Vladimir Terentyev and Head of the Pervomaysky District Administration Nikolai Orlov came to congratulate and present gifts to the students and pupils of the Vitebsk Special General Education Boarding School for Children with Hearing Impairments. A charity morning performance was organized today for the pupils of special kindergarten No. 18 for children with severe speech impairments. A holiday near the Christmas tree will also be held for the young pupils of the Vitebsk orphanage. City Mayor Viktor Nikolaikin will present the institution with household appliances.
In total, during the "Our Children" campaign, the Vitebsk City Executive Committee will present over 4,000 gifts to children with disabilities and children from large families, as reported by the Department of Education, Sports, and Tourism. "Traditionally, the City Executive Committee takes on the congratulation of this category, while the Regional Executive Committee gifts orphans. Additionally, district administrations, sponsors, and patrons are involved, so the total amount invested in gifts can only be calculated after the campaign concludes. The City Executive Committee has allocated approximately Br174 million," the department explained.
New Year's Eve visits to children's institutions with gifts will continue. On December 29, charity matinees will be held at the shelter of the Vitebsk State Social-Pedagogical Center and the Regional Specialized Children's Home.
Ekaterina Knyazeva