In the early morning hours of 26 April 1986, a testing error caused an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine. During a radioactive fire that burned for 10 days, 190 tons of toxic materials were expelled into the atmosphere. The wind blew 70% of the radioactive material into the neighboring country of Belarus.  

This month marks the 19 th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Far from being “history,” the accident continues to affect millions – especially children.   

In this newsletter, you will find the following updates:

1.   What you should know about Chernobyl
2.   Chernobyl Heart for educators
3.   19th anniversay convoy departs April 10th
4.   De-institutionalization of children
5.   Pediatric cardiac team prepares for May mission
6.   Volunteer update
7.   Reminder Wrist Bands: Spread the word!

If you are a teacher or educator, we are pleased to be able to offer you a copy of the Academy Award winning film Chernobyl Heart that you can use in your classroom. Click here to learn more. 

While the convoy makes its deliveries in Belarus, CCPI staff will visit a number of projects to evaluate for funding – projects that provide support to families committed to caring for their children in their home rather than placing them in an orphanage. Other projects help integrate institutionalized children back into their families or place them in foster homes.   While we are proud of our projects that, with your support, improve conditions in orphanages, we recognize that the end game is to keep as many children as possible in family homes. We will provide updates to you as these programs develop.  

The photograph shows a a young girl we know – diagnosed as “developmentally delayed” -- who lives at the Vesnova mental asylum. Looking at her beautiful face, it is so easy to imagine her enjoying her breakfast at the kitchen table in a family home, instead of living out her life in bleak institution.

Chernobyl Children's Project International's work in Belarus would not be possible without the hard work of hundreds of Irish volunteers. Here in the United States, CCPI received a number of applications from professionals qualified in medicine, social work, and physical and occupational therapy. We appreciate these inquiries and are working to incorporate American volunteers into our work in Belarus. CCPI in the USA maintains no paid staff. We would like to take this opportunity to thank a few individuals who support us with their professional services. Jackie Strzepek, a communications and public relations professional, has helped us by answering inquiries from supporters interested in fundraising, and by helping to organize public awareness events. Jennifer Milano, a human rights attorney, has helped us develop our strategy to assist mentally and physically disabled children.   The Long Island accounting firm of Stephen Merrill Wicks CPA PC provides us with many hours of valuable pro bono accounting services. And the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, especially Stan Zakhare, has been with us from the beginning, setting up our organization as a legal entity and providing legal counsel.