Boris standing in doorway |
We visited School #66 and spoke with the principal, Nikolai. There are 300 students in his school. Beginning next school year three classes will integrate children with disabilities. Each class will have a teaching assistant. This is ground-breaking in Ukraine. Ukrainians have had a tendency to hide these children. Of the 150 schools in the Zaporizhia district this is the only one that agreed to integration. He says other students will learn compassion. Parents are very grateful. The school will be needing a wheelchair ramp and a toilet on the first floor. Nikolai is asking for some help.
Promotei is an organization helping families with autistic, cerebral palsy and Down's Syndrome children. This summer Promotei has been granted access to a camp facility on Chortitza Island, a beautiful park-like setting along the Dnieper River.
We visited them there and watched them engaging in races and games. they have devoted young teachers who are patient and loving. We have helped Promotei with various needs.
The shore of the Dnieper |
Alexandra, wife of pastor in Nikolaipole |
Olga Rubel discussing issues with Luba |
This day was an emotional experience as I stood again on the soil of my ancestors. Almost one hundred years ago Nikolaipole, known then as Nikolaifeld, gave harbour to my grandmother and her 7 children, one of them my mother, when they fled the anarchists. My grandfather didn't survive. The Mennonite church and school in this village still remain standing. We have provided some assistance to this school. The population of the village has decreased and the principal mentioned that it might only be a matter of time when some schools will be amalgamated.
Tomorrow we're back in Molochansk again.
Tomorrow we're back in Molochansk again.
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