Mozyr - now my view.

I first visited Mozyr in October, 1998 and it was not long before I realised the special nature of the town and its people. Fortunate enough to be invited back I decided that I should put aside my selfishness and share what I had experienced with a few others. I chose Jeff, a computer designer and Jimmy who had various interests. They were chosen not for their occupations but for their outlooks on life. I was convinced that I had chosen wisely and the results were soon seen when the people of Mozyr welcomed them also to their bosoms.

An uneventful journey completed and we were met by many of the friends who I had had the pleasure to meet during my last visit. A repeat of what I was allowed to experience before would have been more than sufficient yet this was not to be. It is not important to relate our contribution to Mozyr but rather the people of Mozyr's to us. Also it would be wrong to attempt to mention the dozens of people who were involved in the making of our visit more like a return to home as all contributed. These pages are however dedicated to my new and dear brother Sergey, Director of Commerce for Mozyr and Svetlana, a special person that some of us are lucky enough to encounter once in our lives.

A visit to the Mayor produced an interesting dialogue of the Mayor's plans for the town and also began the overall portrayal of the love that the people of Mozyr have for their town. The Police Chief and Prison Governor showed through an explanation of their responsibilities society as they have it in reality but in both the police station and the prison there appeared great respect from officer to captive and the reverse. Facilities are undoubtedly minimal compared to Northern Ireland but there was much humanity in evidence. Three thousand prisoners controlled by 100 officers, maybe with an iron fist in a velvet glove, but still impressive policing.

The schools in Mozyr are organised on split shifts with children attending from 8.00am - 1.00pm and 1.00pm - 6.00pm. A shortage of teachers demands that many teachers carry out the work of two. Schools develop specialities and reputations by the expertise of their teachers : parents can chose which school to send their children to depending on their future expectations. For example School 7, where Svetlana teaches English, is highly regarded for its work in foreign languages and thus attracts children whose parents aspire to the importance of linguistic skills.

The work of the day schools is supported strongly by the development of excellence in art, craft, music, dancing and sports schools. It is not uncommon for children to spend a further 26 hours a week involved with extra curricular activities. The time spent on the development of the arts is seen in the standards being achieved. Many countries of the world would learn much by visiting and witnessing what we did. Through all of the schools there was a sense that the children had a desire to learn and to fulfil their true potential and that their teachers were proud of their achievements whilst always demanding even higher standards.

A utilitarian society demands that everything has a use and that there is a use for everything. The Fire Prevention school which also carried out art studies and computer sciences was a model of this. As many children live in apartment blocks the need for fire education is essential. This was not a school with high powered computers working at a fraction of their capacity but outdated computers being used to their fullness. Watching children delving into programmes was quite awesome and a good guide of what can be achieved when teacher and pupil have the same objectives.

Visits to a small local brewery were "refreshing" as was the desire of the town never to lose the tradional crafts and cultures which were and remain important to them. Traditional basket making, pottery, linen and embroidery of the highest standard are a credit to the workers and the foresight of the directors and managers.

And even this is not Mozyr. Mozyr is a town where the people demand only friendship. Their welcome and hospitality should be legendary around the world and in my small way I will attempt to widen the milieu of their reputation. Homes are warm, inviting places where a friend can relax in the greatest of real comfort. Picnics are family and friendship orientated, eating is part of the friendship and a coming together of people if even only for a short time during their hectic schedules. Even the drinking of vodka is always to honour an event, a person or a feeling ..... and the children are just special..... and the children are just special.

I am sure that they have much wrong with their society - but I didn't see it. I am sure we could teach them something - but I don't know what. Just maybe we have it wrong. We certainly have less right.

I could relate many other experiences but being selfish must keep them to myself although I will pass on one piece of advice and that is if my brother Sergey, ever offers you his shoe brush and polish be advised that they should carry a government shoe health warning. My shoes will never be the same again.

So if ever you are fortunate enough to be invited to Belarus, don't hestitate, get on the next aeroplane and savour the joys of the people with smiling eyes.

Belarus, moy dom