Foyle Chernobyl group prepare for summer visitors

The group has been in existence for 20 years and is the only one of the 70 outreach groups from across Ireland, based in the North.

The CCI has been in operation for 25 years and is in the process of arranging candlelight vigils locally to celebrate the difference they have made to the lives of children affected by the radiation levels which stem from an explosion at a nuclear plant near Chernobyl in 1986.

A spokesperson from the group has told the ‘Sunday’ how their most notable role is the rest and recuperation programme they run which brings young people aged 7 - 18 from Belarus to Ireland for four weeks each summer.

“It is estimated that by spending four weeks eating ‘clean’ food and breathing ‘clean’ air - life expectancy is increased by two years,” he said.

“Our group usually brings between 20 - 30 children each year depending on how successful our fundraising events have been. “It costs on average £600 to bring each child here, as an interpreter is required for every 15 - 20 children. We are always exploring new and innovative ways to raise funds but rely for the most part on the conventional bag packing, golf tournaments, and ‘Nights at the Races’, etc.

“The host families, who come from a variety of backgrounds, incur all the living costs for the children while they are here. This includes feeding and usually clothing them. Most families host two children while other families act as ‘back up’, in case of an emergency or a host family simply needing a break.

“It is important to stress that although the host families make a massive commitment in both terms of time and money, it is not a one-way street.

“Nothing compares to the joy of seeing a child who arrives looking pale and listless evolve into a lively, happy and healthy looking child - a mere 4 weeks later.

“Most of these children come from very disadvantaged backgrounds, even by Belarussian standards and may have lost one or both parents. Most families form a strong, reciprocal emotional bond with the children they host and it is not unusual to have children returning as adults acting as interpreter for other groups of children. Many families maintain contact with their host child over the years and derive great satisfaction from this.

“We are lucky to have support from many local businesses and we are extremely grateful to Derry City Council for their generosity in supplying the children with free entry to their swimming pools during their stay.”

An explosion at a nuclear plant in Chernobyl in the Northern Ukraine in 1986 was at the time described as the worst environmental catastrophe in the history of humanity.

It had and continues to have a devastating impact on the 2.2 million people of Belarus where 70% of the radiation fell. Most scientists believe that Belarus will remain contaminated for the next 50 years and some claim that the full extent of the contamination has yet to be felt.

“This legacy has further impoverished a country dependent, for the most part, on its agriculture for survival. Its citizens are forced to breathe contaminated air and eat food grown in contaminated soil,” said the spokesman from the local charity said..

“A Belarussian translator recently confided to me that her family use a Geiger counter when they go to the butchers to measure the level of radiation the meat contains before deciding whether or not to buy it.

“As you would expect the health of Belarussians is severely compromised due to these appalling living conditions. Life expectancy has been significantly reduced and there has been an increase in stillbirths and genetic disorders. There is an increase in leukaemia and other cancers. Heart disease is also very prevalent with children as young as six suffering strokes and heart attacks. Other organs that are affected include kidneys, liver, brain, spleen, bowel and muscles.

“The Chernobyl Children’s International (CCI) Charity was founded by Adi Roche in Cork in 1987 in response to the disaster. We are proud to be part of an International organisation, which has outreach groups spanning the whole of Europe and North America. The CCI has a range of functions which include: Homes of Hope. This is where volunteers go out for a pre-determined length of time to build suitable homes for young people with disabilities who had previously lived in institutions.

“The CCI also has a cardiac programme whereby children who require cardiac surgery can be brought to Ireland to have life saving surgery carried out.

“To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the CCI and to further raise awareness of the continuing plight of these children, outreach groups throughout the country will be holding candlelight vigils throughout the month of April.

“We will be publicising details of the times and venue of our vigil as soon as confirmation is obtained.

“Please support us in this worthwhile and memorable event.