Baturin and Berezna

Berezna Internat is situated in the centre of the town and is particularly unfortunate to have its buildings spread over several sites. The buildings are in a fairly poor condition but the school has already had several renovation projects carried out by Tewksbury Independent Aid and Bear Essential Aid. I understand that more are planned as funds allow.

The Auxilliary Internat at Baturin has 133 children with learning difficulties. The atmosphere is one of love and happiness. Baturin is a historic town and used to be the centre for the Cossacks so their history and culture are taught at the school. They receive no regular sponsorship and have recently received lists of equipment that the authorities say they must have to be safe and to be efficient. The solution to these problems is, according to the same authorities, “..to go to Kiev and seek sponsorship.” A great deal of effort has been put into creating nice surroundings for the children but this comes only from the director and her staff. They have reasonable workshops for training as seamstresses and carpenters but the equipment is ancient.