Issue 211 Christmas 2015 - Continued Work in Ukraine

In 2014 50 families each month were regularly helped with food parcels and/ or clothing by Children’s Hearts. Now it is over 100 families.

Families are either refugees from the Donetsk area or locals who are becoming worse off as the economy deteriorates. Our immediate issue is how to address this growing need over winter with heating, food, clothing and debt support?

In the longer term we will seek to offer more substantial and transformative developmental aid. 

Two further visions for Ukraine are to:
a) identify ways to procure hospital and medical supplies in the UK and then ship them efficiently to eastern Ukraine
b) expand the services to disabled children in Dneprodzerzhinsk from respite and fellowship to a full rehabilitation programme with specialist staff. 

You can support our work in Ukraine via 

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Issue 211 Christmas 2015 - New Partner in Moldova - The Phoenix Centre

The 25 children who have started to attend the Phoenix Centre are already hugely excited. The children draw, play and interact with each other and the staff. Until now the children have been virtually confined to their homes.

When asked recently if they would like to go home early in case they were tired, they all replied no “we are tired of home”.

We step out in faith with our review of supporting the Phoenix Centre as this will require a whole new funding programme, but we:
“Trust in the Lord with all [y]our heart, and do not lean on [y]our own understanding” (Prov 3:5)

As well as the day centre, ChildAid has been pleased to contribute to a mini-bus which is used for important emergency aid deliveries. 

You can support our work in Moldova via

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Issue 211 Christmas 2015 - Wheelchairs for Belarus

ChildAid recently met with a Brother and two Sisters from the St Elizabeth Convent in Minsk, Belarus. Truly lovely and kind people who care so much for the seriously disabled children they look after in the neighbouring internat.

They mentioned that it is very difficult to obtain wheelchairs in Belarus. With many children in the internat unable to walk they are effectively confined to their beds at all times.

A quick discussion with our partner here in the UK, MAD-Aid, and we have been able to secure over a dozen refurbished wheelchairs for the Convent to use. These will be collected by the Convent on their next visit to the UK - when they come to sell Russian and Belarussian gifts (also available from ChildAid).

Funds have also been provided for pens, pencils and paper which are expensive and of inferior quality in Belarus. As part of our future plans we will be looking to provide more life-changing equipment for Belarus. 

You can help support our work in Belarus via 

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Issue 211 Christmas 2015 - The Good Work In Moldova - Tony Hawks Centre

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:6)

At the Tony Hawks Centre in Moldova, ChildAid discussed with Diana & Grigori Covalciuc the potential of building an extension on roof of the new centre.

With the extra space, facilities could be provided to enhance physical performance of their older children to strengthen muscles by providing a large area for physical exercise. The area would also be used as a training and presentation area to spread awareness and knowledge of childhood disabilities.

There is also need for specialised equipment, such as a child-sized treadmill to help strengthen muscles. Once again we are hoping that Rotary may be able to help with this.

We have also begun deliberations over succession planning for the time when the amazing Covalciuc doctors take their well-earnt retirement. 

You can help support our work with the Tony Hawks Centre via

Virgin Money Giving | ChildAid | Campaigns | Tony Hawks Centre

Issue 211 Christmas 2015 - The Good Work In Moldova - Esther House

ChildAid recently visited our new partner in Moldova, Ora, and their three children’s centres. We have been delighted to support Esther House for a few months now.

Without such an after school centre the children would lose any chance of a fun, loving childhood. It is clear by their faces how much the centre means to the children.

We have arranged for 3 or 4 brand new computers to be delivered before Christmas and we plan to fund additional IT lessons.

Esther House values creativity. We are hoping that with the help of Rotary clubs in the west Midlands to have a summer theatre built on the grounds, as seen below.

Dance lessons and performances, as well as acting, will help children with confidence and language skills. We would like to develop this initiative by providing costumes and props. 

To support our work you can donate via

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