Sasha's story
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Sasha
Photo: Sarah Errington/Oxfam
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My name's Sasha. I'm eight years old and I live in Siberia, which
is in Russia. Siberia covers a big area but not many people live
here because it gets so cold in the winter. That's why I have
to dress up so warmly. (Photo
13)
I live with my mum and stepfather, my brother Vanya and my sister
Yulya. My grandmother, who I call Babushka, also lives with us.
I've got two pets - Pushok (which means Fluffy) the cat, and Fil'ka
the dog.
My stepfather is often away working and since I'm the oldest
boy in the house I often help out. Every morning I'm up early.
I help to look after Yulya and to dress her. (Photo
14)
I also share some of the jobs around the home. Every two days
I go to collect water from the well. Vanya often helps me which
makes it easier. (Photo
17) We borrow a sledge from our neighbour because the
churns that we fill up with water are very heavy. Both of us have
to pull together to bring the water back home. We take Fil'ka
with us. In the winter I also clear snow from the path and bring
in logs for the fire.
I walk to school - it's not very far. I often run so that I can
get there ahead of the other children and surprise the teacher
by being the first in the class. There are 14 children in my class.
(Photo 16) I
like reading stories and at break time we play chase and blind
man's buff.
After school, I help get our main meal ready. We eat at about
3.30. I'm very good at cooking. I especially like making pancakes,
which we eat with jam. (Photo
15)
Life in Siberia is very different in the summer and winter. In
winter, my favourite game is making snow houses with Vanya. It
takes almost a day to finish a house. I make the inside flat and
smooth and then make little tables, chairs and beds out of the
snow. (Photo 18)
I love the summer here. I help out by going with my mum, stepfather
and brother to collect camomile flowers in the fields. These are
used to make tea and medicines. We work from the morning until
about 3.30 in the afternoon. I really like the work. The camomile
looks beautiful and there are butterflies and bees flying around.
In summer I also like picking berries to eat and wild mushrooms
which I find in between the fir trees.
Lesson plan: Sasha helps out
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