In Orsha, the district celebration “Social Equality Studio ‘Everything in Your Hands’” took place.
At the Ice Arena, a district holiday "Studio of Social Equality 'Everything is in Your Hands'" was held, dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the Republic of Belarus. The event served as a reminder that the strength of society lies in its openness and support for every individual.
From the very first minutes, a special atmosphere reigned in the foyer of the institution. Thematic zones were set up: a presentation of the services of the territorial center for social services, workshops where guests could try their hand at applied arts, an exhibition of artistic works created by talented authors with disabilities and their mentors. Each guest of the holiday automatically became a participant in the lottery "Lucky Chance".
Then the concert program "Equal Rights – Equal Opportunities" began. The event was attended by the Deputy Chairperson of the Orsha District Executive Committee Anastasia Prokofyeva, the Director of the Territorial Center for Social Services of the Orsha District Ekaterina Murenkova, the Deputy Head of the Department of Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Orsha District Executive Committee Alla Lauto, the Deputy Chairperson for Marketing of the International Charitable Public Association "UniHelp" Victoria Lavrinyonok, the Head of the Branch of the OJSC "Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus" in Vitebsk Sergey Lapeha, the Director of the Center for Correctional and Developmental Education and Rehabilitation of the Orsha District Irina Kikhteva, the Director of the Special School of the Orsha District Elena Chakhovich, the Chairperson of the Moscow Branch of the Interregional Association of Persons with Disabilities "Apparel" Lyubov Yuldasheva, the Deputy Chairperson of the Board of "Apparel" Nikolay Budyukhin, the Chairperson of the Orsha City Organization of the Belarusian Society of Persons with Disabilities Vyacheslav Zubanov and representatives of public associations, representatives of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the Belarusian Society of the Blind, the Chairperson of the Baran City Organization of the Belarusian Association for Assistance to Disabled Children and Young People Tamara Lukina and representatives of the organization, the Chairperson of the Orsha City Public Association "Belarusian Society of the Deaf" Vera Khostovskaya and representatives of public associations, the Chairperson of the Orsha District Organization of Veterans Zinaida Khaychenko and representatives of the organization, as well as representatives of the labor collectives of the sponsoring enterprises of the holiday.
– Today we talk about the most important thing – human dignity, respect, and support. Inclusion is not just a word; it is a path that we create together, – emphasized Anastasia Prokofyeva while opening the concert program. – We strive together to ensure that every person feels needed, important, and equal. We are building a society where the contribution of every individual is valued, regardless of their health conditions. And may today’s event be another step towards our common future – a society without barriers.
After that, artistic collectives from the Orsha District performed on the holiday stage. But the main highlight of the holiday was the creative performances by people with disabilities. Each performance was met with warm applause.
A special moment of the holiday was the awarding of certificates to active individuals with disabilities, as well as partner organizations that have provided support and contributed to the development of inclusive projects for many years.
– We are happy to be part of such a great cause. Supporting people with disabilities is not charity; it is a normal human responsibility. And we will continue to work alongside you, helping, creating opportunities, and inspiring. Because every time we see the smiles of children and adults, we understand: all this work is not in vain, – noted Victoria Lavrinyonok, Deputy Chairperson for Marketing of the International Charitable Public Association "UniHelp" while delivering a response speech.
Emphasizing the importance of social partnership, Sergey Lapeha, Head of the Branch of the OJSC "Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus" in Vitebsk, shared that their institution is always ready to support social initiatives aimed at creating equal conditions. It is important for every person to feel confident about tomorrow.
As part of the festive program, winners of the lottery "Lucky Chance" were determined using a lottery machine, where gifts from enterprises and organizations of the district were drawn. The joy of the winners, sincere smiles, and festive spirit created a unique atmosphere for the holiday.
The event "Everything is in Your Hands" became not just a festive day, but a true symbol of unity, respect, and mutual assistance.
Viktor SOSNOVSKY.
Photo by the author.