Michael Scanlan Visits NGOs in Baranovichi

Charge d’Affaires meets with Nerush Ecology and Local History NGO

Mr. Anatoliy Bankevich, head of the Baranovichi Ecological Union, at the meeting with Charge d’Affaires Michael Scanlan, demonstrated the results of the recently implemented project funded by the US Embassy Small Grants Program.  The Ecological Union engaged residents of multi-storied houses in Parkovaya street in the process of identifying, prioritizing and solving local problems through their participation in a territorial self-government committee.  In partnership and with financial contribution of local authorities  and residents of the area the NGO put up 24 street lights, renovated 18 yards, built 4 child playgrounds and 3 sport grounds, installed 39 benches and repaired 4 roofs.  The outcomes of the project are impressive.  However,  the most important result of the project, according to Mr. Bankevich, is the fact that local residents understand that united they can improve their living conditions and are ready to take this responsibility.   Residents of Parkovaya Street who met Michael Scanlan during his walk and participants of the local self-government committee expressed their sincere gratitude to the Embassy for support. 

Michael Scanlan visited the “Nerush” Ecology and Local History NGO that recently started a US Embassy Small Grants Program-funded project aimed at educating rural youth on the development of eco- and agro-tourism in their home towns and villages.  Mr. Uladzimir Zuyeu , head of the organization, briefed  the Charge about the NGO’s history, present activities and plans for the future. Project participants with enthusiasm shared results of their recent trip to Poland. In cooperation with Polish colleagues they developed  a curriculum for the “School of Ecological Guides”  that will be conducted in the nearest months in Baranovichi district in the framework of the Embassy-supported project.