| Vanessa Redgrave, at
a press conference with Islam & Khamzat |
|
|
In 2002 we heard of the
case of a 12 years old boy, Islam, who had lost both
eyes and arms
picking up a toy mine We decided to bring Islam and
Khamzat, aged 9, who lost a leg in another mine incident,
over to London to receive desperately needed treatment.
The
project was cheered by many and criticized by few.
The results are that two children among the many
thousands left back in Chechnya, have had the chance
to learn the
word "hope". Meaningless as it may sound, it
is so very important for many reasons - the world must
know what this forgotten war does to people. Islam and
Khamzat are now able to tell what it means for them to
have come to the UK and what it means for the less lucky
of their friends back home!
Islam will do another year at a secondary School to
improve his English, which is very good already. He
has been
praised for his progress in English and Math and will
attend a College at the end of next year, quite an
achievement for a handicapped boy whose only language
was Chechen
and who has missed 3 years of schooling. He has a fine
sense of humor and dismisses his major handicaps, doing
a lot of things by himself, including answering the
telephone, typing on the computer, swimming, and now
joining a gym!
Khamzat is about to finish his 9th grade.
He has been attending a college of technology and
has three more
years to go. He is a fine boy with a great smile
and the energy to succeed despite his handicap.
Both
kids are teaching us a great lesson. Instead of despairing
and waiting for a miracle, they brought
about their own miracle and message of hope. They
are
grateful
for the help received and they are trying to make
the best of it.
Very warm thanks to all those involved in
this project: to the famous people who gave us
unconditional
support
and publicity, to the dozen people who over the
last three years gave their time, support and encouragement,
as well as to Islam, Khamzat, and their relatives
who deserve all our respect.
Thank you.
Summary
The objective:
Providing urgent medical treatment
in the UK
Duration:
COMPLETED
Progress:
The project has been successfully
terminated
Control and accountability:
The project has been constantly
monitored by members of the Charity, medics
and paramedical personnel
Cost of the
project:
£12,000 fully financed
by donations
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