I have been fortunate enough to be in contact with a family in Rogachov since about December 2002. Lena and Sasha have five children and, until recently, both parents were out of work – the mother due to maternity leave. My mother and I have been sending clothes, shoes and basic necessities for the children and now the father has found good employment, but finances will always be tight with so many children.
The amazing thing when entering their household is noticing that every rouble and every ounce of energy that the parents have is put into providing the best they can for their children. There are books in the house and an old piano for the children to be taught music by their very talented mother. The children, whilst obviously poorly clothed and thin, are wonderful! Well-behaved and attentive, they did not leave my side for the entire time and did not stop thanking and hugging me for my entire visit.
During my 2004 visit, I was told by a mutual friend, that Lena is working voluntarily for a local charity. Since the family were identified to me by this charity, Lena has decided that she must, in her turn, give back to them. She is the social secretary to the charity and works extremely hard to organise events and raise local awareness. Through her and the charity, I hope that we will be able to identify more families who can be helped in a similar way to the Kartuzkovs.
This year, Lena was awarded the status of 'hero mother'. This is a Belarussian award which is given to mothers of many children because the average number of children per couple is currently only one. This means that the population of Belarus is set to diminish. A television crew visited their home and a report about them was televised. I hope that I will be able to see a recording of this when I visit this year! To me, Lena and Sasha are, without doubt, 'hero parents'.
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Lena with her five children; anticlockwise from top centre, Yana 9, Kostya 4 (sulking because I had o stop playing with him to take the photo!), Aliesya 6, Polya 7 and Mila 1 (but toilet trained due to lack of nappies and good cleaning products). Lena has recently been awarded the status of ‘hero-mother’ as the population in Belarus is declining, with most couples only having one child. Without question, Lena and her husband Sasha are heroes and an inspiration to me. |
I have been in contact with the Kartuzkov family for several years now. Lena and Sasha have five wonderful children and this year, Lena was awarded the title of ‘hero mother’. This is a special recognition in Belarus for families who have many children, as the average family in Belarus now only has one child. As a result of this, they have been allocated land where they can build their own house, which will revolutionise their life. They currently live in a flat with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen.
The children are all well and Lena is looking much better and happier in herself. I was worried about her last year as she was very thin. She now works for the charity which helped her family, and her husband Sasha has a good job and is working hard.
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My Mum with Alisya, Mila and Yana, three of the Kartuzkov children. Mum was a definite hit with Mila who tried to get her attention at every possible opportunity! |