Lush gardens due to plenty of rain |
The rain also obscures the depth of the potholes |
It has been a week of celebrations marking the end of the school year. We accepted invitations to four different events. We know that Ukrainians love to celebrate and this year was no disappointment. On Friday we attended the "Last Bell" at the Russian school. It is a traditional ceremony full of pomp and circumstance celebrated after all studies are finished, but before final exams.
Rudy was asked to say a few words to the graduates. The celebration concluded with a first grader on the shoulder of a graduate circling the school ground ringing a bell. This is the last bell - the torch is being passed to a new generation. We hope that these beautiful young people will have opportunities to "soar" when they leave school. It may well be in their power to help bring about change however there are very few local opportunities. It has been our privilege this year to provide all the necessary technical equipment for a 15 student language lab. The state pays teacher's salaries but little else in terms of upgrades, repairs, new innovations. A lot lies on the shoulders of parents.
Tokmak Music School |
Molochansk Music School |
Prishib Orphanage graduation |
This morning the Molochansk Music School band came to the Mennonite Centre to entertain seniors that come for lunches twice a week - the final concert of their school year.
It was a bright sunny day. The band set up in our yard and played for an hour to a very appreciative audience. Many of the senior band members have graduated and left, therefore the current band is young, but enthusiastic. Over the years we have provided most of the instruments for this band, allowing them to do well in regional competitions. It was a joy to hear them perform. Our gratitude to those who have donated to enrich the lives of these young people who are already making a positive impact in their community.
For more information on the work of the Mennonite Centre, please go to
http://www.mennonitecentre.ca/ Also check out Mennonite Centre Ukraine Facebook page
(Click on pictures to enlarge)