Within two weeks the Social Abilitation and Rehabilitation Centre "Parasolka", which is located in Tyachiv, celebrates its anniversary – 10 years from the day of its foundation.

A unique institution, which has not analogues in Ukraine yet, is a place where 25 young people with disabilities have found their homes, jobs and living conditions. For eight years, the institution has functioned as a youth branch of the Vilshany Orphanage. And the last year it became a separate legal unit – a communal institution of the Transcarpathian Regional Council. The Centre was built by the charitable organization "Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattia" and the Swiss Association Parasolka in close cooperation with the social protection bodies of the population of the region.

The Parasolka Project is extremely important – it is a positive example of reforming residential care throughout Ukraine.

“There is the dignity of a disabled person at the heart of the Parasolka Project. We are convinced that people with disabilities have the right to a decent life, their self-determination, work and rest, just like all other citizens of our country. This is the main challenge of our project, which in turn is an examination for the maturity of the whole Ukrainian society,” – say the employees of the charitable organization "Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattia".

For many persons involved in the project, September 25 is a real holiday since it is a celebration of the successful implementation of an important and at the same time complicated initiative. The best friends will greet the "Parasolka" and among them: representatives of the Presidium of the Association Parasolka from Switzerland, a delegation from the friendly region of Vysočina of the Czech Republic, as well as representatives of local authorities.

However, the graduates of the Centre, those whose achievements are the main proof and indicator of the success and effectiveness of the project, will be the most important persons in the event. They will prepare their home for the celebration as well as a festive concert for their guests.

At present, Zakarpattia is the only region in Ukraine that has successful experience in borrowing and implementing best European practices for people with disabilities who are left alone with their ailments. For ten years, the Social Abilitation and Rehabilitation Centre "Parasolka" has proved that affirmation of the value of human life and its support is worth human efforts, compromises, and self-sacrifice.