Good day, dear readers of www.mitsva.kz. website. My name is Elena, I'm "Etgar" children's program coordinator. I work at Hesed "Nathan" that is in Kokshetau. And on the threshold of 2005, I would like to tell you about what we had done in the framework of our program within 11 months of its existence.

  Despite "Etgar" is a young service - it has worked since January 2004 - Hesed workers had done a lot. "Food" program is actively developing. Children get food packages, supermarket, and hot breakfast at school.

   A psychologist Olga Bushueva is always next to children. She conducts trainings, discussions, meetings.

  There are also health programs represented by help in buying medicine, talks with doctors. Recently, due to the JDC help and participation of "Mitsva" Association, Etgar program members could get a treatment complex in "Builder" health center. Children swam in the swimming-pool, got massage, did special exercises and etc.

   Now "Etgar" program prepares to the opening of Hesed "Nathan" Children's Health Center that is to work during school winter holidays. As "Etgar" program's experience showed children from Health Center not only take care of their health with pleasure, but enjoy going to theatres, putting plays at a stage, participating in various quizzes and contests. Elder children always help small once. And I also like that there is no need to invite and assure our children. They are ready to come to their second home every day. It's a pity, but we can't say such a thing about major parents. It's always very hard for them to get into a contact, even if it is directly concerned their child.

  Dear readers and colleagues, I would like to know your opinion concerning what we can and should do for children form "Etgar" program. How can we help them to feel themselves full members of the community?

Elena Sherbinskaya