Novi Dom is a new concept in educating and caring for young people with learning disabilities, in Minsk, Belarus. The aim of the project is to provide children with severe disabilities from the age of 11+, with a child-centred environment in which they can maximise their learning and enjoy having fun through play. They can even stay over for a few nights, whilst their families have a break, secure in the knowledge that their child is receiving the highest standards of care.
The Novi Dom Story
Many children with disabilities in Belarus still live in state-run orphanages where they do not receive the specialised education and individualised care they need to thrive. As a result their futures are terribly bleak. It was in one such orphanage that we first met Lera Abeleva (below), a young girl disabled with profound cerebral palsy. Despite the serious deprivation of her circumstances, she still managed to smile and reach out to us. She became our inspiration to start a new and better service for severely disabled children in Minsk. Sadly, Lera died two days before Novi Dom opened. The centre is therefore dedicated to her memory.
Download the Novi Dom Brochure...
Novi Dom’s Vision
In Novi Dom, we plan to support more than 30 children, aged 11+ with learning disabilities, together with their families. The service comprises individualised specialist teaching together with a stimulating, child-centred environment and high quality adapted care facilities for overnight stays. Novi Dom will enable children to develop new skills and maximise their independence. Families will be encouraged to carry on caring for their children with disabilities, knowing that they can have regular breaks and ongoing support.
Model for the future
This project has been welcomed by the Partisansky District of Minsk, which recognises it as a pioneer of good practice in education and care for disabled children. By working together in partnership with them to bring this project to fruition, all the organisations involved intend that Novi Dom will influence and ultimately improve care practices in the future for Belarussian children with learning disabilities.
Download the Novi Dom Brochure...
Services provided:
- Daily education for children with severe learning disabilities
- Training of child care and educational professionals and parents
- Extended day care for working parents
- Weekend short breaks residential care
- Holiday residential schemes
- Emergency residential care
