Issue 212 Lent 2016 - Belarus

Isle of Hope was established 20 years ago largely in response to the news that 2 mothers had committed suicide. They could not bear to face the fears and distress of bringing up their severely disabled children in a country which rejected all forms of “weakness” in society and made little or no provision of support other than institutionalisation.

Sadly, today it seems that only limited progress has been made. Economically, Belarus is going through great hardship. In this last year the Belarussian rouble has fallen in value by 75% and inflation has run at 11%. Recent economic growth has been tentative, even negative.

Average wages of £250/month are under pressure as prices soar. Our partners report that they cannot remember a time when people have felt so desperate making life much harder for the families we support.

ChildAid has multiple projects in Belarus as we aim to provide some assistance to the troubled country. To find out how you can help or to donate visit our website.