NOVEMBER 9 marked the tenth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a potent symbol of the end of the Cold War and the opening up of the eastern bloc.
As the veil of communism lifted across central and eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, a sever crisis in children's institutions was exposed - the most publicised example being Romania.
The response of the British public to the plight of the children generated probably the largest philanthropic response witnessed this decade resulting in millions of pounds of aid.
However, with the dawn of the millennium there will still be more than one million children living in state institutions in central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
We must not forget these children. They and all the children of Europe are our future.
If you would like to know more about the work of The European Children's Trust call (0171) 248 2424.
Kate Pierce,
Campaigns manager,
The European Children's Trust,
64 Queen Street,
London.
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