ul. Smirnova, 8
654032 Novokuznetsk
Russia
(7-3843) 37-9858 (voice)
e-mail: [email protected]

The ecological situation in Novokuznetsk is worsening and rates of disease, mortality, as well as the number of children born with anomalies, are growing. The overall level of disability in Novokuznetsk is higher than the Russian average - 72.8 versus 61.5 for every 10,000 inhabitants of urban areas in 1992 - and grows annually at a high rate.

170,000 war and labor veterans (about one-third of the Novokuznetsk population) have a difficult time now. To provide help to the hapless people, a non-profit joint-stock venture "Kuzbass Center for Invalids and Veterans Rehabilitation" was founded in Novokuznetsk in 1994. Its activities are aimed at the social and medical rehabilitation of disabled and elderly people and training in new methods of treatment. The Center also plans to assist its clients in vocational training and finding new jobs.

To provide sustainability and create new jobs for the disabled the Center is ready to start a herb-processing and a computer-assembling ventures. Though it enjoys financial support from two of its founders--West Siberian Steel Corporation and Kuznetskpromstroy--it would welcome any contacts with American and European PVOs which have practical experience in the same area.

For more information or to order a subscription, see our publications page.

Center for Civil Society International [email protected]