Tuesday, October 23, 2012

HOPES AND FEARS - JOYS AND CONCERNS


In the final days leading up to Oct. 28 parliamentary elections, politics is not far from people’s minds and conversations.  Huge billboards dot the landscape, mostly advertising candidates for the ruling Party of Regions. This morning the Communist Party candidate addressed a crowd in front of the Palace of Culture (Zentralschule).  We are told that the Communist Party is working hand in glove with the Party of Regions.
We are trying to get a small grasp on the politics of this country by listening, reading and asking questions. It is said that there is growing disillusionment, even among some of the strongest supporters of President Yanukovitch. 
Notice the fresh coat of paint on the Palace of Culture and the plaza pavers are now compete - all an election ploy we're  told.
Lack of promised reforms has resulted in a dismal business climate.  Infrastructure continues to crumble.  Corruption is rife. There are those however, who are striving to ensure that these elections meet international standards hoping to forge closer ties with the West.

Steps have been taken to monitor the voting system.  Apparently one billion dollars has been spent on video surveillance cameras for all polling stations.  5000 election observers have been registered – 500 from Canada.  What cannot be monitored however, is the bribery taking place.  Reports say that bribery has become the most popular form of electoral manipulation, often in the form of cash, varying from 50 UAH to 500 UAH, depending on the area.  It is very easy to buy votes. Examples include gifts of food packages, wine and vodka, ice cream, bicycles, tickets to night clubs or the circus, or visits to the doctor or hair stylist.   Even though this practice is illegal, politicians admit they don’t see this as much of a problem. A warning to a candidate can be issued only after a court decision, so this rarely happens.  According to the Kiev Post, "people have become indifferent to voting, but have a keen interest in supporting their families." To them every kopek helps.      

We sense feelings of fearfulness and a loss of hope - fear that Ukraine is no longer moving forward, fear that after the election the hryvnia will devalue further.  So far the government has artificially kept the price of bread stable. To the relief of many it is still possible to buy a good loaf for under 50 cents, a staple in the Ukraine diet.

In contrast, hope is very much alive at the Centre.  People keep coming with various needs and requests.  It is always heartwarming when they return with expressions of gratitude. This week we had two such visits.  A daughter came in all smiles telling us that her mother could see again.  We had recently funded half the cost of cataract surgery.
Checking out site for tree
In March we provided funds for a heart valve replacement surgery.      Several days ago Nikolai came back to express appreciation for his new lease on life and then offered to plant a tree in our yard as a symbol of thankfulness.

Tim & Gretchen
 It was a joy hosting a young couple from Scotland this week.  Gretchen's grandmother was born in Halbstadt, so she had a great interest in everything she saw and anything that we could tell her about our town. In all likelihood her grandmother would have attended the school which is now the Mennonite Centre.   

The week culminated with a picnic for staff and families on Saturday.  The day dawned bright and beautiful.  We drove out to an idyllic spot along the Molotschna River, a fire was started and shashlik skewered. 



Dema & Ira vying for the hula hoop championship
We all enjoyed the feasting and the frivolity - a tribute of thanks to people who are so vital to our work at the Mennonite Centre.
Children joining in the fun




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