Renata Izmailova
Disabled Children's Facility "Alpamys"
Kazakhstan
Dear friends,
The participants of the conference,
I am Izmailova Renata. I was born in Ayaguz of Semipalatinsk oblast. That is very beautiful wide steppe area. Once herds of horses pastured there freely, proud camels walked and kites floated high in the sky. People lived happily in absolute harmony with nature. Unfortunately, the happiness of those people and their lives were disturbed with the appearance of the nuclear test site.
In August 1947, the Soviet government reached the decision to make Semipalatinsk nuclear test range. During the 40 years of its existence, thermonuclear and hydrogen weapons were tested. The biggest number of explosions was made from 1964 to 1989. I was born in 1982 and, of course, the test site left an indelible mark in my life. I am a victim of the nuclear tests. In my childhood, I often stayed at home alone. Other children went to playgrounds, which were intended for healthy children. In winter, the sun went down early and I was lying in the dark room and was crying. I was sad and didn't understand why other children played and laughed, and I didn't.
Growing up, I began to understand my state. I was taught at home according to school curriculum. The teachers came and told me lots of interesting things. But I always wanted to go to school.
When I see children of my age I want to walk along the street, visit libraries and take part in everyday life like other people. The nuclear tests put an end to such hopes. Despite illness, however, I try not to get depressed. I have successfully completed secondary school and I have friends. I like painting and composing poems. I like animals and going to the country.
I want to ask a question to those people who stand on the side of making nuclear weapons. "Do you want to have such a generation? I am very thankful to the people who gave me a chance to take part in the conference."
Thank you very much for your attention.