Komarovka and Krasny Hutir

Krasny Hutir is situated far out in the countryside and was once a prison for juvenile offenders. The run a thriving saw mill and with the proceeds from their work have been able to re-roof several buildings. Sanitary conditions are poor but the director, who runs a very formal regime, considers that “life is hard in Ukraine and that children need to get used to it”. Living conditions for the staff are poor and few wish to stay for any length of time. The director, an ex-physical education teacher, is very keen on sport as a way of occupying the children, many of whom have been placed here because they were “difficult”. The buildings are huge and really rather depressing. At some stage I would like to try to redecorate their huge basement dining hall.

The staff at Komarovka work hard to provide a good all round education. Craft skills are well provided for and they already have a computer room up and running thanks to a local politician. Sanitation is poor and BHA is starting one of its first renovation projects here in 2004. The aim is to provide the boys and the girls with separate toilet and washing facilities in the boarding house.