CHERNOBYL CHILDREN'S PROJECT (UK)

The Mid Essex Group of the Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK) has been hosting groups of up to 16 children, and their interpreters, from Terekhovka in Belarus every year since their formation in 1996.  Under the chairmanship of Stephanie and Chris Woodhouse, we have members spread across the county from Braintree in the north of Essex, to Shenfield and Brentwood in the south.

We have gained tremendous satisfaction from seeing the benefit to the children from their time in the UK. They often arrive looking “grey” and sickly but after a month of good food, fresh air and fun, they return to Belarus looking bright and healthy with renewed energy levels and boosted immune systems.

Many activities are arranged for the children during their time with us. This year we took the children to the seaside, (most have never seen the sea previously) Danbury Outdoor Activity Centre, Cycling, Swimming, Bowling, as well as fishing and lots of fun and games.

Each year we organise a collection of good quality secondhand clothing as the children tend to arrive with very little. We hold a ”Clothes Bank” during the first few days to ensure that they are fully kitted out.

To raise funds we have arranged a variety of events ranging from selling cakes, dress down days at our various places of work and schools, and most recently a Quiz Night. We have also established a Friends group where people who are unable to host or participate in the running of the group can make a regular annual donation. In addition we have benefited from generous donations from businesses and organisations for example, Metropolitan Police.

It is great fun hosting the children and seeing both their enjoyment and improvement from these holidays. As you can imagine we are always looking for help with Fundraising, Hosting Children and organising events. Please contact us and help in any way you can to give these children the holiday which will boost their immune system and help them fight the ill-health that is their legacy of Chernobyl.

Mid Essex News