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“Together we can help” |
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SPONSORING |
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CHERNIGOV ARATTA |
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Since its early days, the Aratta Centre has grown and now operates with a core of 20+ “full-time” volunteers and a further 35 who help part-time or specifically with running the 22 weekend clubs that cater for a large group of children, mostly from the “supported” families but open to anyone. |
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Co-ordination and distribution of the aid from foreign organisations has become a large part of the Aratta’s work, especially now that BHA has started to send more regular and larger quantities. Aratta works closely with the local authorities to identify those in greatest need and 160 families are currently “supported” and monitored by the Aratta members. The aid is also available to callers at the Centre and is sent further afield to the Internats, Foster Homes, Schools and Hospitals that are supported by both BHA |
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and Aratta. To aid this work, BHA have purchased a building closer to the centre and this is being equipped as both store and distribution centre. |
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The Chernigov Aratta centre now provides possibilities for help, advice and counseling, with a priest, legal expert, psychologist, hairdresser, masseuse, doctor and chiropodist all available regularly. Aratta also works closely with other Chernigov organisations involved with the care of the poor, the handicapped and the elderly. |
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The clubs include: Theatre workshop, Puppet theatre, Dance Group, Art and Crafts, Sewing and Knitting circles, Chess, Mathematics, Pre-School, Computing, English, Ecology, Journalism, Photography and the Women’s Club. A concert party, an offshoot of one of the clubs, visits the homes and hospitals to entertain with their spirited programme of song, dance and games. |
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Aratta is also responsible for organising regular holiday trips for Chernigov children and their parents. A summer “River” camp is held annually and, when funds allow, children are taken to holiday by the Black Sea. |
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During 2003 the first steps were taken towards establishing branches of Aratta in the various districts of the Chernigov Region. The staff of Aratta in Chernigov have worked hard to pass on their experience and to assist with the setting up of these new Arattas. |
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Early in 2004 Aratta submitted papers seeking to become a registered charity, rather than just a recognised “town” organisation, so that it will be better placed to carry its work forward. |
