Chernobyl Children's Project International volunteers continue to commit to the lives and care of children who live at the Vesnova mental asylum in southwest Belarus. Until recently, Vesnova had no "outpatient plan" -- the most vulnerable died at a young age, and children who lived to age 18 were moved on -- where? Today, CCPI's groundbreaking but nascent independent living program and community centersprovide options for a lucky few. The rest move on to the Soltanovka asylum for adults.
Driving up to the gate of Soltanovka, the graveyard on the right is a stark reminder that this place is the final home for about 200 intellectually disabled people aged 18+. It's the end of childhood.
Last month, a group of volunteer builders continued CCPI's long term commitment to improve the quality of life for Soltanovka residents. Renovating the "high dependency unit" of the asylum, the team overhauled 25 rooms, plus 40 meters of corridor -- complete with new walls, floors, ceilings, bathrooms and toilets.
The 2009 Pfizer Cycle for Chernobyl raised over $150,000 for this project. The 2010 cycle is on June 18th and 19th -- click on the link to support the team as a cyclist or sponsor.
We know that real hope for the mentally disabled -- the most forgotten and vulnerable in any society -- requires a whole lot more than shiny new ceilings, bathrooms and floors. We are developing care plans and a full medical and dental care program for Soltanovka residents, and working with international leaders in community care and inclusion to prepare a path forward. But there is no question -- quality of life at Soltanovka took a dramatic step forward last month. We thank both the volunteers and the institution's director for their hard work and dedication.
See photos of Soltanovka residents here. And, Eamon Ward's awarding winning collection of photos includes faces from Soltanovka.
