SUMMER VISIT 2007

In July 2007, the Solihull Group welcomed 23 youngsters from the Svletlagorsk area of Belarus to England. There were 11 teenagers, all 15/16 years old and in their last year or so at the orphanage there, and 10 needy, younger children, aged from 7 to 10, many of whom previously may have been placed in the orphanage but who are now either living with foster parents or in less than ideal family settings.

The teenagers, together with their teacher and two interpreters, stayed at Springfield House, a Birmingham LEA boarding school. Set in beautiful grounds and surrounded by open countryside this must be a lovely change from their usual “home”.  The younger children stayed in pairs with two different host families for a fortnight each. The older children were also able to experience some “family time” at weekends when they were invited to stay with host families who could not host for a full fortnight.

As usual the children were kept very busy with lots of activities. As always, Drayton Manor Park was top of the list of favourites but there were plenty of other things to keep both host and visitor children occupied.  Many of the children from land-locked Belarus got their first sight of the sea on the trip to Barry Island and they also got in plenty of swimming practice with trips to the pool.  Along the nature theme there were trips to see all creatures great and small at the West Midlands Safari Park and Stratford Butterfly Farm, respectively.  Sports fans were treated to golf, sailing, climbing and, a real highlight, tobogganing and skating at the Snowdome.  Meanwhile the kids’ (and adults’!) more creative side was brought out with plenty of arts and crafts activities and the triumphant last night party show (more of that later).  Sometimes the two age groups went their separate ways.  The younger ones went pond-dipping and had fun building dens at Kingsbury Water Park. By contrast, the teenagers had a more urban experience on a trip to London, a real red letter day! Despite all these fun activities packed into the two fortnights, however, some of the most rewarding moments spent with the visiting children happen during downtime at home.  Family meals, kicking a football around in the garden, and the inescapable playstation (!) all contribute to a special bond which is unique each year.

The group of teenagers was made up of just 2 girls and 9 boys and as the boys are usually reluctant performers we did not have high hopes for the traditional last night party show. However, they all came up trumps as the girls did a belly-dance routine in their own beautiful hand-made costumes and the boys acted out the story of The Giant Turnip! Party games were enjoyed by all, although those away on their own holidays by the end of the month are still mystified by tales of the “toilet paper game”!

All the host families, together with the numerous people involved in shopping, cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, driving, supervising and entertaining the residential group during the four weeks, formed a very happy community of local people. Great friendships were forged between all ages and Belarussians and Brits alike. Most importantly, the children looked so much healthier at the end of the holiday than when they arrived and will have lasting memories of their time here.

If you’re reading this and want to get involved next summer, pick up the phone or drop us an email. Your commitment can range from an hour preparing a meal to a fortnight hosting 2 kids and everything in between!