Mission Ukraine
Monday 25 March - Monday 8 April 2013
- 15 October: Application deadline
- 25 October: Notification of acceptance
- 13 November: 1st briefing meeting - Compulsory!
History
On April 26 1986, Ukraine and the earth recoiled from the world's worst nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, which spewed out many times the radioactive fallout of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Two and a half decades have passed and the effects of this disaster continue and increase. In fact, hundreds of thousands of people, mostly children, are still suffering with physical and psychological disorders.The Ukrainian society is made up of a few who have plenty and a majority who have much less. People with disabilities are always low on the priority list, but in a country where poverty is a reality for many, they can find themselves on the margins of society.
What's happening now
Chernihiv Medical Centre, or Revival as it is better known, carries out complex medical and social rehabilitation for children with problems of the central nervous system, learning difficulties and other conditions that lead to social exclusion.Anglia Ruskin University has developed links with the Centre through organisations such as Aid UK, which has been a constant support for the last 12 years to the children cared for at Revival.
The Centre is unusual in the Ukraine as it adopts a holistic approach to care, viewing the child as more than a complex set of conditions or issues. Medical interventions go hand in hand with humanistic therapies such as massage, music and art. The teachers work closely with the children to find creative ways to address any challenges they may face. For example, someone gave the Centre an immense number of buttons, which have helped children develop their fine motor skills as well as shape and colour recognition, while making pictures that adorn the walls.
Music is a big part of the Centre and children are taught to play instruments. One young man now plays piano at concert standard and has won many competitions with his sensitive interpretation of classical pieces.
In addition to the work in the Centre itself, Revival also supports people in their own homes. Often these people are socially isolated and have poor living conditions, with little money or physical ability to improve their environment. This work in the community is a growing part of the Centre's activity, and Aid UK are hoping to offer some skill-building help to these people. If they do, it offers Mission Ukraine a chance to take over where they finish, by decorating, refurbishing and generally 'making good' for these people who have so little.
Why should Mission Ukraine go to the Centre?
There are three major reasons. Firstly, it is always good to travel and see another culture, away from the tourist experiences. Secondly, it is a rare opportunity to see how truly holistic care can work, when professionals from many backgrounds have the shared focus of enabling a child to take a meaningful place in society. Lastly but perhaps most importantly, you may have the chance to work in people's homes to decorate and carry out simple repairs which can have a dramatic impact on their quality of life.Accommodation will be adequate and relatively comfortable, albeit a little crowded. We live as a community, and work as a team to ensure that we cause as little extra work as possible for our hosts. The people of the Ukraine are generous and welcoming. They value our friendship and our colleagues at the Revival Centre are excited at the possibility of students visiting and working with them. 2013 will be our first ever Mission Ukraine, so it is difficult to say how it will work out. But work out it will! So if you fancy being a pioneer and breaking new ground for Anglia Ruskin University, then we'd love to receive your application for the trip.
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