Belarus Project 2004

A group of 16 Network Scouts aged 18-25, most of whom live in the Croydon area, are undertaking a project to build an adventure playground at an orphanage near Radun in northern Belarus this summer. Nearly all the group will fly via Lithuania while a van load of equipment and materials will be driven across Europe through Holland, Germany and Poland. The expedition will start on 24 July 2004 and last 2 weeks; and in addition to playground construction there will be a lot of interaction with the children. It should be fun, but a life-changing experience for all concerned.

Belarus is a landlocked country situated between Russia and Poland: it was badly affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and much of the land is contaminated and will remain so for generations to come. The people are desperately poor, and many children are abandoned when parents cannot cope.

Members of the Belarus Project Network are financing the expedition themselves, and because most are at university, this involves considerable personal sacrifice. Some fund-raising has already been undertaken, an example being a Race Night in South Croydon on Saturday April 10 2004. The event was sponsored by Done's Bookmakers Ltd, the UK's largest independent bookmakers, who will be opening a branch in Croydon shortly. Race sponsors included Mauruce Hyde, the florists in South Croydon, Ablaze Building Solutions Ltd, Marks & Spencer, and The Rotary Club of Coulsdon Manor. Debenhams donated a prize for the raffle. Thanks to the generous support of the sponsors and a large crowd of punters some £375 was raised.

The Network Scouts were also bag-packing at various supermarkets in early May, and, on Sunday July 11 2004, held the second 'Blues, Barbecue, Beer, & Bangs' event near Frylands Wood Scout Camp.

The Scout Network welcomes support from business, charitable organisations and individuals. If you wish to help please contact Chris Dean, County Scout Network Commissioner, on 01883 723081. We will also be pleased to talk to organisations about the expedition, both before departure and on our return to the UK.

Contacts: Please e-mail belarus.project@glswscouts.org.uk or contact Chris Dean, County Scout Network Commissioner, on 01883 723081 for further information.

Links: Chernobyl Charities – supporting the victims of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.