On Dec. 30, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has organized New Year celebrations at Buta Palace for children living in orphanages and boarding-schools, as well as children of IDPs and refugee families, AzerTAj state new agency reported.

Attending the celebrations, Azerbaijan`s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva and her daughter Arzu Aliyeva congratulated children, and together with them posed for photographs.

Initially a film was displayed, telling how over the years the Nationwide Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev celebrated with children the Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis and New Year holiday, the care of the President Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva about the children.

Applause greeted the arrival of festively decorated Grandfather Frost. Üith his "Magic stick"ç Grandfather Frost lighted the New Year tree.

During the event lasting more than three hours, the actors performed all their talent and ability to create holiday mood amongst children. The faces of children gathered in the hall clearly reflected a sense of gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its president Mehriban Aliyeva, who presented them this colorful holiday action. Most of participants of the holiday event were children from families of refugees and IDPs, children from children's homes and special schools in need of daily care.

Children and parents noted the attentive attitude to the participants of the holiday event by the staff of the Foundation, their caring approach to each child.

Making a speech at the celebrations, the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva congratulated the participants on the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and New Year and wished them good health, further success, happiness and tranquility in the new year.

"We traditionally celebrate the New Year together, meet new 2010. But at the same time, today we see ending 2009 off. If to look at the ending year, we can see that it will remain in our history with many important events and achievements. Despite that the world is covered by the financial crisis, economic growth is continuing in Azerbaijan. We see it in all areas of our lives. If to look only at our capital, we can see how our native Baku becomes more beautiful day by day, new gardens and parks are laid, monuments, Seaside Park are reconstructed. New facilities of science, education, health, new roads and bridges are constructed in our country," said Aliyeva.
 
She said that in 2009 Azerbaijan was declared the capital of Islamic culture. In this regard, many international meetings, symposia and festivals were held in Baku. "You can remember that I International Mugam Festival took place in Baku in March. Those seven days were truly great music holiday, and once again confirmed that the Azerbaijani Mugam is a gem of not only our culture, but the entire world's musical treasure," said. Aliyeva.  

Furthermore, 2009 was declared the Year of the Child, and many important steps were also taken in the country in this regard. 68 new schools and additional buildings were constructed, 28 schools were reconstructed and more than 10 nurseries and kindergartens were repaired.

According to Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation will continue its activities in this regard. This year a children's music school was built and put into use in Agdash region, and the foundation of School of Arts named after Nasimi was laid in Shamakhi. Many international meetings were held. In October Azerbaijan hosted a national conference on the reform of child protection, I Children's Forum, the Olympiad.

"So, important work was carried out and achievements were made in 2009. I want to say that there is one thing, one goal- to see our dear children in independent, stronger, more developed, more prosperous Azerbaijan in future. The future of each state is its children. So, today everything is done for tomorrow - for you," said the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

"Once again I wish you great success in education and life, good health, great mood. I want to note that this year the Heydar Aliyev Foundation carries out this holiday for you at a new place - at the Buta Palace that was put into operation this year. I believe that you'll love and keep it in your memory and this is a triumph. Once again I heartily congratulate and kiss you, express to you my best wishes!" Aliyeva said.

Participants of the festival thanked Mehriban Aliyeva for attention and care taken about the children of Azerbaijan, for the noble work in this regard.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation gave New Year presents to the children. In general, 3,000 children participated in the festival. 

Upon Mehriban Aliyeva's recommendations, comfortable buses were provided to safely bring children to Buta Palace.