An inclusive children's park has opened in Vitebsk as part of a cross-border project with Poland
The festive opening ceremony of a facility important for all local residents was attended by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Belarus Dirk Schuebel, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland to Belarus Artur Michalski, representatives of local self-government bodies, and residents of the district.
The humanitarian social project was implemented by the administration of the Oktyabrsky District of the city with a Polish grant, supported by the Embassy of Poland. Local authorities undertook the preparation and landscaping of the site on an island in the recreational zone of the Vitba River. Financial assistance was used to purchase inclusive play and sports equipment: a sandbox, rope structures, spring riders, developmental equipment, swings, carousels, etc.
"To bring the project to life, only three components were needed: the initiative shown by the students and teachers of Secondary School No. 5, the support of the authorities, and the opportunity provided by the Embassy of Poland," noted the head of the administration of the Oktyabrsky District of Vitebsk, Sergey Stashevsky. He expressed immense gratitude to the Polish diplomats, thanks to whom such a sports ground, the first in the city, appeared in Vitebsk.
Teacher of Secondary School No. 5 of Vitebsk, Elena Zhebentyaeva, Head of the Administration of the Oktyabrsky District of Vitebsk, Sergey Stashevsky, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland to Belarus, Artur Michalski, during the solemn ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland to Belarus Artur Michalski
Sergey Stashevsky also noted that the work is not yet completed. In the spring, it is planned to fully improve the territory here, and in the future, with the support of the Polish side, to increase the amount of play equipment, as the area of the island allows for this.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland to Belarus Artur Michalski emphasized the importance of such facilities. "People with disabilities are, to a certain extent, hostages of their situation. It is very important to create conditions for them to feel comfortable, to feel their involvement in public life. I hope that the children who will spend time here will get pleasure and joy from it. This will mean that our main goal has been achieved," the diplomat noted.
Head of the Administration of the Oktyabrsky District of Vitebsk Sergey Stashevsky
Artur Michalski also said that the Polish side has supported another humanitarian project in Vitebsk related to strengthening the material and technical base of the Vitebsk boarding house for the elderly and disabled. It is planned to be implemented by the end of the year. Earlier, in September, under the development program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland "Polish Aid", the country's first inclusive cycling path, about 10 km long, was opened in Lida.
"Poland received a lot of assistance from other European countries in due course and is now sharing its accumulated experience with its partner countries, including Belarus. Over the last four years, the total amount allocated for the implementation of various projects in Belarus has exceeded Br1 million. This applies not only to the humanitarian sphere but also to the development of tourism. The latter direction is very relevant, as it stimulates the development of many other areas, including business," the diplomat added.