It was smiles and hugs all round on Monday as children from the Chernobyl-affected regions arrived at the Ormonde Hotel to be welcomed by members of the Chernobyl Kilkenny Outreach Group and their Kilkenny host families.
These vulnerable children made the long journey from Belarus to Ireland as part as the Summer Rest and Recuperation programme run by Chernobyl Children International.
The children will spend almost a month in Kilkenny living with their host families and will have their lives enriched by eating fresh food, breathing healthy air and from the love and affection that each child receives from their wonderful host families. Sadly two children didn’t make the journey as expected but it has been confirmed that they will travel on July 19 with the next group of children due to Ireland.
41 children were expected and this is the largest group to ever come to Kilkenny on this life enhancing programme which is a wonderful achievement for the Chernobyl Kilkenny Outreach Group, however regardless of how much fundraising is undertaken for the Rest and Recuperation Programme, its success rests primarily with the compassionate families who open their hearts and homes to help these defenceless children.
The scene at the Ormonde Hotel was very emotional, tears of joy where shed by those returning and reunited with their Kilkenny families. The children here for the first time were introduced to the families whom they will stay with for the next month. Their apprehension and shyness was soon followed by curiosity and excitement as they embraced the new adventures ahead of them. For many of the children it will be their first time to experience simple things such as, swimming, the beach, cinema, restaurants, playgrounds etc.
During their visit the Chernobyl Kilkenny Outreach Group have many outings organised for the children to enjoy ensuring they are given every experience that is possible.
The children’s visit to Kilkenny is just under a month long and for most it is a once in a life time experience.
An old favourite is a day trip to Fota Island which never fails to impress.
Mayor Martin Brett has kindly invited the children to a reception at his Chamber in the town hall, which is a great honour. They have also been invited to BallyKeeffe Family Day, Templemore Garda College, swimming at the Watershed and Supermacs are also treating the children to lunch during their stay. All new and exciting encounters that will give the children many happy memories to take home and treasure.
Nationwide, over 900 children will travel this summer to all corners of the country.
Dr Nesterenko, a leading Belarusian scientist who recently met with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, outlined the benefits of even short holidays out of Chernobyl radiation zones.
Dr Nesterenko stated that tests carried out on the children have shown that their radiation levels drop by 30-50% during their stay in Ireland. Many of the children suffer from a variety of Chernobyl-related illnesses and receive ongoing medical treatment while in Ireland. In addition, a number of children will receive specialist care at the Barretstown Camp in Kildare.
Adi Roche, CEO, CCI, said, “we are so proud that in this Special 25th Anniversary year, despite the economic downturn over 900 children will receive recuperation. Irish families continue to thrust their hands out in hope and love to the children of Chernobyl. This is an extraordinary achievement made possible by the unwavering commitment of these families. I cannot thank the people of Ireland enough for ensuring the candle of hope will never fade, even in these difficult times.”
