President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has visited an orphanage in Zhodino and wished the children Happy New Year, BelTA has learnt.

Alexander Lukashenko talked to the children and the staff and was shown around the orphanage. The President gave each child a sweet gift and donated children’s sports equipment to the orphanage. The children handed over a self-made New Year tree and a book to the President. The head of state saw a New Year performance staged by the children and the staff and took part in dances around a decorated New Year tree. After that the children were invited to a tea party and a sweet buffet.

Alexander Lukashenko wished everyone good health, happiness and a good mood.

Director of the orphanage Tatiana Kireyeva said that at present the orphanage has 64 children, including children with special needs. This year 18 children have been adopted by Belarusian families, five of them were returned to their parents. According to the director, the orphanage has created an environment conducive to all-round development of orphaned children and children left without parental care.