Chernihiv Region Charity
“Aratta”

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On January 13, 2007
A letter to Aratta…

A compliment to your work, service, and big hearts! Allow me to introduce myself – my name is Kelsey Watters and I am a Peace Corps Volunteer from America working in Ukraine in Chernihiv oblast. I work as a teacher in schools and also work with other youth organizations to develop more programming and training for youth in my town. Peace Corps invites Americans to serve as volunteers in another country for two years, sharing the spirit of service with others and exchanging views and perspectives with people from different countries and cultures. I have been in Ukraine for less than a year but have been acquainted with “Aratta” since late summer and I must honestly say that your organization is one of the most inspirational examples of service I have witnessed. I first met Katya when she was visiting my town with “Aratta’s” dear friend Phillip and since then, I have visited both Aratta in Chernihiv and Shorc. As I learn more about your organization, I am continually inspired and awe-struck. In America, volunteers are common, nothing out of the ordinary - everyone volunteers. It is how we get into a good college, get offered better jobs, and in some cases, is part of university or school curriculums. However, here in Ukraine, volunteerism is not as common. But the volunteers and workers at Aratta are proof of how a few people who have a vision can make a difference in the lives of others, as well as their own. During my first trip to Aratta, I met with Victoria and many of the other dedicated volunteers at Aratta and I was immediately struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere at the center. Then I read the newsletter, bulletins and other publications about the work that Aratta has done and is doing to support the youth and families in their community. It is no wonder to me why your organization is so successful and continues to change so many lives. The work that you do not only inspires me to continue working hard, but is also an example of volunteerism that I can share with youth, families, and administrators in my town. I am extremely impressed with the progressiveness of the projects and activities that your organization offers. You are all working to bring light to and open the eyes of your community to the issues affecting youth, children with disabilities, and the environment. I sincerely applaud you and encourage you to continue this work! If these issues are not raised, discussed, and challenged, nothing will ever change. I thank you for your work, your inspiration and your passion. I truly feel blessed that I am acquainted with Aratta and I hope that I too can work with you to make your community a better place. There is an American film called, “Pay It Forward” about a school boy who believes that if every person performs three random acts of kindness for three different people and they do the same for three different people and if this process continues on that we can change the world and make it a better place. Your work at Aratta is making the world a better place, one smile, one person, one helping hand at a time. Keep up the good work and I hope to serve along with you! Continue serving – continue loving – continue giving!!