As we prepare to mark the 21st anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, it's important to recognize how your support has made such an impact over the past year, and allowed us to plan ambitiously for 2007:
|
 |
Foster Homes
We've heard from many of you, that you would like us focus on getting children out of orphanages and into loving homes of their own . . . last year we were able to place 40 children in foster homes, and this year we will dramatically accelerate our foster program to include up to 150 children -- placing children as quickly as we can thoroughly screen and evaluate the very best prospective families. We keep in close touch with our foster families and it is truly moving to see how they overcome challenges with love and commitment, and quickly bond into forever families.
|
 |
Medical Training
We continue to hire and train medical professionals to work in understaffed institutions, and our volunteer professionals travel from Ireland and the United States to give training and peer support to their Belarusian counterparts.
|
|
Humanitarian Assistance
We finished an emergency humanitarian overhaul of three more units of the Vesnova Children's Asylum, the dismal institutions depicted in the film Chernobyl Heart in and a feature in last year's PEOPLE Magazine. We will complete the job this year, and will continue to supply Vesnova and other inadequately supported communities with basic humanitarian supplies. Whenever possible, we source and purchase in-country to support the local economy – an important key to long term change.
|
|
Community Centers in At-Risk Communities
Although we are committed to improving the quality of life for children, like Sasha, who have suffered the tragedy of institutionalization, we clearly need to focus on providing services to at-risk communities so that they don't turn to orphanages to care for their children. With this in mind, in 2006 we built a new community center in Petrikov, and refurbished a substandard and inadequate center in Kalinkovichi. These new centers are thriving and will serve as focal points for a range of community services that will help at-risk families stay together. Our volunteers will work side by side with Belarusian citizens to build 4 more community centers in the coming year. |
|
Life Saving Cardiac Surgeries
In 2006 your support allowed cardiac surgeon Dr. Novick to save scores of young lives . . . the success of the program has attracted new funding that will allow the number of missions to be doubled in 2007. Also in 2006, we sent 20 children recovering from surgery to a cardiac rehabilitation camp developed with your funding … this year we will expand that program and additional camp programs for children living in difficult circumstances (disability or poverty) or in contaminated regions.
|
|
Hospice Program
Gomel is a highly contaminated region and for some time we have provided at-home hospice care for the most seriously ill children – this year your support will allow us to expand the program, and we are evaluating the feasibility of building a hospice facility in this troubled region.
|
|
At-Home Care for Disabled Children
In 2006 we completed a pilot program in which we took 20 disabled children who were on waiting lists for an orphanage in Minsk and provided at-home care and support for their families. We're pleased to say that – against all odds – all of these children remain with their families. This year, we will expand that program, and introduce it in various regions throughout the country.
Dear supporters, these are just a sample of accomplishments that have only been possible with your help – as a volunteer, fundraiser, or advisor. We realize that Chernobyl has slipped from the headlines, and that there are so many good causes and ways to make a difference in this world – and we know that many of you support many good causes. This makes your continued attention to the forgotten children of Chernobyl all the more valuable. Thank you for placing your trust in us.
We very much need your support this year to continue our work – you can make a donation today through this website, or by sending a check to the address on the home page of this site. If we can answer any questions or if you are interested in doing a fundraiser, please write to info@chernobyl-international.org. |
| |
| |
