Melle: drawing-closer programme for residents of Prigorodny District yields fruit

In the opinion of Stefan Melle, Director of the German-Russian Exchange, the joint programme of the Exchange with the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" named "Harmonization of Interethnic Relations in Prigorodny District through Development of Minor Businesses" was a success, because it was supported and contributed by the district administration and school teachers. Mr Melle hopes for further progress of the programme.

Let us remind you that within the programme a roundtable on crediting the population was held on September 17 in Kurtat village, and earlier - in January - residents of the district held another roundtable - on pensions.

Stefan Melle himself could not visit the recent event, since the Prigorodny District of North Ossetia is a closed zone banned for foreigners. The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent met him in Vladikavkaz.

"We took part from the very beginning and worked with the 'Memorial' - our partner. Our role is to support the project financially, in particular," said Mr Melle.

He has noted that the project was a joint idea of the HRC "Memorial" and the German-Russian Exchange, and it appeared rather long ago. "Back in 2001 we started thinking the topic over, as already then mutual relations of Ossetians and Ingushes were painful, and we wanted to do something to improve them and make them better every year," Mr Melle continued.

In his opinion, the project "Harmonization of Interethnic Relations in Prigorodny District through Development of Minor Businesses" goes on well. "I believe it is now even more successful than it was expected at the beginning, because I understand that the situation and the circumstances are complex in many respects; therefore, people could not have wanted, and the administration could not have supported the idea. But now we see that the assiduous work of teachers and the head of the programme Yulia Chardina are yielding fruit," he said.

According to his story, a coalition is already in place, allowing running courses and starting work at schools with children of both nationalities.

The director of the German-Russian Exchange has assured that the programme will last up to the end of 2011.

The centre to promote small businesses was opened in Kurtat village, Prigorodny District of North Ossetia, with assistance of the HRC "Memorial" in December 2008. The project is planned for three years and assumes free-of-charge training of residents of the Prigorodny District only. They are taught to how properly start-up businesses, listen to lectures on economy, marketing and using computers.