On June 4, 2013 in the framework of the republican competition of children’s art works «Let It Be Warm The Same As At Home» the opening of the exhibition of children’s art works took place at the Art Gallery of Mikhail Savitsky (Minsk, Svobody sq. 15). Traditionally the exhibition is held on the eve of World Refugee Day which the world community marks on June, 20. The exhibition is organized with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus, UNHCR Office in Belarus and the Center for Children and Adolescents «Evrika».
In anticipation of World Refugee Day the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office in Belarus in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus and the Center for Children and Adolescents «Evrika» have organized and carried out the republican competition of children’s art works «Let it be Warm, the Same as at Home» and the contest of theatrical improvisations. The organizing committee have received more than 1,000 children’s art works and 40 videos from all regions of the Republic of Belarus. Children reflected their vision on refugee issues in their art works and theatrical improvisations. Through the participation in the contest children learned about the problems refugees face in their life, as well as acquired the understanding of necessity to be tolerant and merciful, learning a tragic fate of refugees children begin to value peaceful situation in their country.
Opening speech at the ceremony was given to Jean Yves Bouchardy, the UNHCR Representative in Belarus. He welcomed the distinguished guests, children, and esteemed organizers of the exhibition and reminded that every year on June 20 the international community marks World Refugee Day, thus expressing the respect for people who were forced to leave their home because of the circumstances to save their life and dignity.Jean Yves Bouchardy noted that the opening of the exhibition is one of a series of commemorative events prepared to mark the 20th of June, the World Refugee Day in Belarus. He congratulated and thanked all the children who had participated in this project throughout Belarus by contributing drawings, poems and pros — all around the theme «Let it be Warm, the Same as at Home». He expressed the appreciation to the administration and teachers of the schools who helped organize the activity in many different cities and villages. Jean Yves Bouchardy extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Centre for Children and Adolescents «Evrika» and the Art Gallery of Mikhail Savitsky (Museum of History of the City of Minsk) without whose support and cooperation this event might not have taken place. The children of Belarus live in a peaceful, stable and safe country. There are millions of children in the world who sleep hungry, have no clean water to drink, have no school to go to, have no home at all. There are millions of children who had to flee their countries, sometime even alone, without their parents. There are 39.7 million people in the world who uprooted from their home because war and violence or violation of their basic human rights. Among these people at least 15 million are refugees who had flee their countries. The World Refugee Day which is celebrated each year on 20th of June is an occasion to salute these people who with lots of courage and resilience try to save their lives and rebuild a new life for themselves in another country.
Tatiana Selivanova, Associate Programme Officer of the UNHCR Office in Belarus, thanked everyone for participating in this project and expressed admiration to all children for their creativity, talent and hard work.
Svetlana Shmagorevskaya, Director of the CCA «Evrika», in her speech turned to children, who participated in the contest, thanked them for their active work, congratulated with the beginning of summer holidays and wished good holidays for all children.Svetlana Shmagorevskaya ended her speech with a well-known motto of the CCA «Evrika»: «I’m happy that we joined our wings in the common impulse of good and love!»
Then the floor was given to Pyotr Khotsko, Deputy Director of the Art Gallery of Mikhail Savitsky. He expressed gratitude for this honor to host the exhibition at the Gallery. In his short speech, he noted the special atmosphere of the event,to which children’s laughter and smiles, dances and songs gave a special fervor.
All the guests of the event enjoyed performances which were prepared by children engaged in CCA «Evrika» activities, children gave the guests of the event good and festive mood.
After the opening ceremony guests went to the Gallery to see the very exhibition of children`s art works.
Despite the fact that children are not able to provide the refugees with home and job, they can give them understanding, compassion and kindness.
The exhibition is opened to visitors at the Art Gallery of Mikhail Savitsky (Museum of History of the City of Minsk) from 4 to 20 June 2013 at the address: Minsk, Svobody sq. 15.