Chernobyl children set for three-week holiday
Fifteen children and two carers from Belarus recently arrived in Ireland for a three-week rest and recuperation programme thanks to North Wexford South Wicklow based charity Children of Chernobyl Foundation Ireland (CCFI).
‘It was great to see everyone arrive safe and well for what is hoped will be a great three weeks in Ireland,’ said Réiltín Mates, spokesperson for CCFI. ‘It was a long trip for many of the children, with some leaving their homes as early as the previous evening, before arriving in Ireland.’
‘The children make their way to Minsk, then continuing across the border into Lithuania and flying Ryanair from Kaunas,’ she explained. ‘There were many familiar faces coming through the arrival gate, along with one young boy coming to Ireland for the first time.’
The children are staying with host families mainly in the North Wexford and South Wicklow area.
‘The children were accompanied by two carers, one whom has travelled before with the children, and one carer coming for her first time also,’ added Réiltín. ‘We are sure there will be lots of fun to be had over the coming weeks by all children and their host families.’
Those who would like to host children on upcoming trips or become involved in helping Children of Chernobyl Foundation Ireland in any way, such as fundraising or volunteering on its building trips to Belarus, please contact Pat at 087 2263705 or Laurence at 087 2686825 for more information.