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4 months since my last visit to
Mozyr,
Belarus and this time somewhat dreading the temperatures. I just do not like
temperatures over 25C and the forecast for Mozyr indicated that 40C+ was a
possibility.
The flight from Gatwick to Minsk,
normally 2 hours 55 minutes was an hour late taking off but surprisingly arrived
on time. To see the
flat expanses and thick forests of Belarus
from the aeroplane pleases me greatly.
Each year the travelling time by car
to Mozyr takes slightly less as the
road networks have seen so much improvement over 6 years.
My journey is over when I see the Pripyat Hotel guarding over the bridge
crossing the Pripyat. The river was flowing freely compared to being frozen
solid in March.
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Mozyr is a city
transformed.
Everything bright and colourful as the city prepares for its 850th
anniversary in September. I believe there was once a fort on the site and
reproductions (in
background of photo) of similar constructions are being completed as part of the
celebrations- also large clay structures which are very much part of Mozyr
cultural pottery.
Although the schools were closed for
the holidays no visit would be complete without dropping in to see the School
for Diagnostics and Development and the School for Art and Music…… and of
course their very caring and inspirational
directors. Waiting for me in Mozyr were the four b
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My suitcase was bunged to capacity
though I really did not appreciate Easyjet charging me for the extra allowance
of 3 Kgs as they knew the items were for the children of Belarus. Thankfully
Belavia, the national airline for Belarus, took a more sympathetic approach and
waivered all charges. This allowed for
dance supplies (Roch Valley, Manchester)
and
outfits for the choir (Heatons, Ireland) to be given to the school for Art
and Music. Both schools will have to endure school inspections during August and
hopefully will reap the credit and accreditation they deserve.
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When charities are working overseas
they seem to want to paint the worst possible picture to be more appealing to
sponsors. This is always easy but maybe not always necessary. I would much
rather portray an improving situation in which gifts and donations reap rewards
and benefit the recipients that they were intended for.
I met Dima, a young boy with sparkling eyes, who is excelling in chess and has already received accolades both at regional and national levels. Maybe one day he will be a Grand Master. Misha, another boy who I have heard singing many times over 6 years, has recently won both national and international competitions. Misha, a member of Anna’s school for art and music has an exciting career ahead and I am convinced that it will not be long before we, in the United Kingdom , hear more of him.
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Misha and Dima depict the new life that seems to emanate from Belarus….. maybe not everyone in the country would agree but the transport network is improving, inflation appears to be slowing, new shops are opening and supermarkets are well supplied. Of course there will be areas and faces of Belarus where that is not the case but not in Mozyr.
In the recent
athletic world championships Belarus came 5th – a population of 10
million with difficulties compared to United Kingdom 16th – a population of 60
million and the fourth strongest economy in the world. Such facts demand some
explanation.
Let us not dwell neither should we forget that next year is the 20th Anniversary of Chernobyl.
To all those who have helped in Belarus for this visit and in the past - my sincere thanks.
Don
Return to Mozyr, Belarus To www.unesco.co.uk
