Tiraspol, 7 December. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. Every year, the Union of Russian Communities of Pridnestrovie implements with the support of the Russian embassy to Moldova, Rossotrudnichestvo and Moscow government dozens of programmes and activities, which have long been enjoyed by Pridnestrovians. These include working with children and young people, supporting war and labour veterans, the recreation of Pridnesgtrovian children in the embassy camp, and the organisation of excursions for compatriots to historical sites in Russia.
Maslenitsa [Pancake Week], Day of Russia, Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, Day of National Unity — these are only some of the Russian traditional holidays that are celebrated today across Pridnestrovie, chair of the Union of Russian Communities Viorika Kokhtareva noted at a regional conference.
"The 5th Bard Song Festival was held on 29 July in Dubossary. This year it has become international as diplomats and representatives from Abkhazia and South Ossetia took part in it. A festival for children with special needs was also held in Dubossary. This is a very heartfelt project in which the Russian embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo assist us. This year the embassy has donated wheelchairs, hearing aids and tonometers to the country's rehabilitative institutions," said Kokhtareva.
The procurement of computer equipment for Pridnestrovian schools is another significant project of the URC. This year, by the way, educational institutions have not been left without gifts either. The Russian embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo's office in Moldova have donated 50 multifunction devices combining the functions of the printer, scanner and copier.
Another gift is 500 textbooks in Russian language and literature, as well as working programmes, have been handed to the Ministry of Public Education.
Speaking of support programmes, Kokhtareva also recalled that such project as Moscow Mayor's Scholarship has been underway in Pridnestrovie for ten years. Over 80 people, including university students from socially unprotected families, had received scholarships over that period.
Every year, the Moscow government provides material assistance to war and labour veterans. This year it has been granted to 300 Pridnestrovians.
The URC pays special attention to working with young people, which was mentioned by Russia's ambassador to Moldova, Farit Mukhametshin. According to Mukhametshin, it is a matter of urgency to create conditions under which Pridnestrovian graduates of Russian universities will want to return home and work here.
"Your approach to everything you do is very productive. That is why we — both the embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo's mission — are always pleased to help you and provide assistance. You work actively with school youth. But let's not forget students. In this regard, we need to expand our opportunities, conduct student exchanges," suggested the ambassador.
Mukhametshin also announced that among the embassy's priorities for 2018 would be the provision of assistance to needy families with children and children with disabilities.
As a result of the republican conference, Viorika Kokhtareva presented a plan of action for 2018, which, in addition to traditional events, suggests a number of new activities for compatriots.
