In October 2002, CCPI representatives visited an institution for mentally disabled children in the town of Vesnova.
We found approximately 150 children living in shocking conditions. The building was dilapidated and dirty. One nurse
was responsible for the medical care of 150 children. Many children were confined to filthy beds, or grouped together
on rotting mattresses in a corner to spend their days with no activities or adult interaction. These are photographs of
some of the children we met. Since our October visit, CCPI and our sister organization in Ireland have hired and trained
six additional nurses to provide care for these children, and committed funding for this purpose through 2007. Additionally,
CCP/Ireland has planned and started a five year building project, scheduled for completion in 2008, which will bring the
living and sanitation conditions for these children up to a reasonably humane level. The faces of these children -- variously
reflecting beauty and suffering, hope and despair -- underscore our belief that no child belongs in an institution. Thus, our
primary goal is to promote the development of medical and humanitarian aid programs that will increase self-sufficiency and
permanent change in the region. Photos copyright 2002 Chernobyl Childrens Project International.