What is a Chernobyl Child?

 
Every child we bring over from Belarus is a deserving child, regardless of social background and family circumstances. Belarus is a developing country that has suffered most from the fall-out caused by the Chernobyl nuclear accident on 1986.
 
Many of the children who come to the U.K. appear normal and healthy, but they have all been subjected to the effects of radiation and are at high risk of developing cancers and other radiation-related diseases. Their lives are often made worse by overcrowded living conditions, poor nutrition, lack of medical facilities and shortages of medicines. Doctors and scientists are now also discovering that as well as battling thyroid cancer and leukaemia, many of the children are ingesting so much contamination that there is a steep rise in reported cases of intestinal cancers and heart defects. They may also be suffering from the effects of heavy metal poisoning.
 
Hosts will be advised before arrival of any known health problems their particular children may have. If a medical problem arises while they are with us they can be taken to your local G.P. or National Health Hospital for initial diagnosis or treatment likewise if it appears necessary an eye test can be arranged without charge for the children in our groups who are under 16. The interpreter should be present for these types if visits. Arrangements will be made to have their teeth checked as generally the state of their teeth leaves a lot to be desired. They are often very nervous about this as their experience of dentists in BElarus is often a painful one because they do not have the luxury of injections or local anaesthetics. No children will be allowed to travel to Great Britian if it is known they have tuberculosis or hepatitis.
 
Each child will be different but few will have enjoyed the comforts and facilities we take so much for granted. Some of the children will have been uprooted from the countryside because of high radiation levels and relocated in towns living in overcrowded flats or in temporary hostels where kitchens and toilets are shared with other families. Those who come from the villages live in small wooden houses often with no running water, indoor toilets or proper heating. In some cases they may have parents who have problems with alcohol and be quire neglected. Others will be well-loved and cared for but are having to grow up in a very poor surroundings.
 
These young visitors may not change their clothes as frequently as we do in the U.K. because as well as not always having running water on tap, very few households have the luxury of a washing machine. This generally means that the washing of clothes is not done as often as it should be and the children have no choice but to wear the same clothes for as long as possible. Hosts should encourage them to change their clothes regularly and show then where to place their dirty linen. Get them in the habit of taking a bath or shower each night before going to bed. While they are away from their parents they will feel more secure and gain confidence if they have a regular routine to follow. It is also useful for them to have both a clock and calender in their debroom. Hopefully they will soon settle in and enjoy new and exciting experiences during their month away from the problems and uncertainty of their own country.
 
What is certain is that the parents are desperate to send their children abroad for this 'once in a lifetime' opportunity of a recuperative holiday. They know that their children will greatly benefit from our uncontaminated food, clean water and fresh air.
 
If you would like to become a host family the click here for more information.