Social protection services of Vitebsk and Smolensk regions held a teleconference
The Committee for Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee has been cooperating with the Department of Social Development of the Smolensk Region for five years. "The Smolensk Region is one of the main partners in the near abroad for our committee. We have repeatedly visited Russian social institutions where assistance is provided to those in need. We have created an international methodological school where we exchange experience and new methods and technologies that are in the arsenal of our services," emphasized Vera Astapenko, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee.
Joint offline events were organized, and in the context of a difficult epidemiological situation, online conferences and forums were held. "Online is good, but we would like to meet and exchange new developments in person. Nevertheless, the teleconference is becoming a platform for all of us to disseminate ideas on working with citizens of vulnerable categories," noted Elena Romanova, Head of the Russian Department.
According to her, in the Smolensk Region, more than 1.5 million people receive various social services and assistance. This is the daily work of almost 5.5 thousand employees. Assistance to citizens can be constant, periodic, one-time, including urgent social services. Currently, social workers in the Smolensk region are tasked with providing targeted assistance. In this Russian region, 57 social service institutions are involved, among other things, in preventing social maladjustment, helping families in difficult life situations, and veterans.
For the Smolensk Region, as well as for its Belarusian partner region, the adaptation and socialization of people with disabilities are important. In both regions, jobs are created for people with disabilities who have undergone programs to restore their capacity. For example, last year in the Vitebsk region, 14 people with disabilities found employment. 15 thousand incapacitated citizens receive home care.
Joint events were also discussed. Forum guests invited everyone to the Belarusian-Russian festival of theatrical art in Smolensk. Participants of the teleconference noted that joint Zoom conferences will be held regularly in the future. Training seminars, dialogue platforms, and meetings at social protection institutions of both regions for the exchange of experience will also be resumed.