Host families sought for Chernobyl children

Friends of Chernobyl Children Tullamore hopes to bring visiting children numbers back up to 2010 levels this year, after a drop in participation on the part of host families last year. The project, which has been running locally since 1994, welcomed 20 children to Offaly last year. This figure was down from 24 in 2010, however, something organisers suspect is due to current economic factors. Children from Chernobyl are again set to visit Offaly for a three-week period from late June this summer. Families interested in hosting a child, who will be accompanied by an interpreter in order to get over language barriers, are being encouraged to contact the local Friends of Chernobyl group by February 29. Families from all over the country are welcome to get involved with the project. At the recent Friends of Chernobyl Children Tullamore AGM a number of host parents spoke of how rewarding hosting a child from Chernobyl can be. Typical visits are filled with events including parties, discos and barbecues. Host families all receive information packs and attend an information evening one week before children arrive where experienced families outline past visits to new families. The same AGM singled out an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster as the highlight of 2011 activities. The event, which took place while children from Chernobyl were visiting, brought together current and past host families in celebration of their achievements. It's estimated that over 600 children from 100 towns and villages in the Chernobyl contaminated regions of Ukraine and Belarus have visited 200 host families in Offaly for recuperation holidays over the past 18 years. If you are interested in becoming a host parent or would like more information on the project you can contact Maire on 087 2974273 or Alma on 086 3857374 until 6pm on February 29.