UPDATE March 2020

Unfortunately the Government of Belarus is not permitting the charity to visit the children this year as a result of the unprecedented coranavirus epidemic. I will therefore be volunteering in Summer 2021. Thank you for all of your kind donations so far!

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Every summer around 50 Belorussian children and young adults with special needs leave their orphanages to enjoy three weeks of fun at a holiday camp in an uncontaminated part of the Belorussian countryside. Chernobyl Children's Project (CCP) sends volunteers to join the children at the camp to make sure they have a wonderful holiday.

I am making a donation to the charity from my savings to fund the cost of my flight, transport costs and accommodation. Any further funds raised on this site will be used by CCP to sponsor the holiday for a young disabled person living in an institution in Belarus whose holiday is not state funded (i.e. they are over the age of 18). Please give generously!! 

I first met representatives from CCP in my final year of my Russian degree many years ago. For many years now I have wanted to go to Belarus with CCP but have not had the time to do so. So I decided to take the plunge and go on a mini CIS-themed career break! 

I am volunteering for 2 weeks at Ptich Sanatorium (a holiday camp/spa where visitors receive health treatments) in Belarus. I will help provide activities for children and young people who live at the Zhuravichi, Vikov and Rechitsa Institutions. 

Rechitsa is a home and boarding school for children who have cerebral palsy or similar physical problems. Half of the residents are young adults who were pupils at the school and have no chance at the moment to move on to an independent life.

Zhuravichi Orphanage is home to 350 children and young people up to the age of 30. Residents have learning disabilities, autism and physical disabilities. 

Vikov Institution is home to adults with physical and/or learning disabilities.