Chernobyl Children's Project International

change for disabled in chernobyl regions of belarus: an international partnership

Chernobyl Children’s Project International (CCPI) continues to focus on bringing much needed change for intellectually and physical disabled people in Belarus.  Working with the Belarusian government, we seek to integrate disabled people into their communities and end the practice of institutionalization.

Tatiana Federova and Tatiana Yushkevich -- respectively heads of the Minsk and Mogilev departments of social services -- recently attended a meeting of the International Initiative for Mental Health and Disability and Leadership Exchange in Ireland.  They were invited and accompanied by Marie Cox and Valentin Chernyakevick, who run CCPI's medical care program. The group attended exchange sights with Cheshire Homes in Dublin and Brother's of Charity services in County Clare, where they met with International leaders in the field of mental health and disability. They witnessed first hand the benefits to clients of community living versus state institutional care.

In November 2008, CCPI opened an independent living home and training program for mentally and physically disabled young adults.  A terrace of fully accessible apartments was funded, built, furnished and decorated by sponsors and volunteers, and is the first project of its kind in Belarus.  

Your donation now will help us continue this important work.

sweet success, as pfizer cyclists saddle up for disabled people in chernobyl lands

Three hundred and thirty cyclists saddled up for the 8th Annual Pfizer Cycle for Chernobyl this past weekend. The cyclists made their two day journey from Galway to Cork to raise funds for Chernobyl Children's Project International. CCPI founder Adi Roche and 30 children from Chernobyl were present for the send off.


The annual Pfizer sponsored fund raiser has built community centers in the Belarusian towns of Zhitkovichi and Petrikov, purchased three medical vehicles that continue to provide life saving transport in remote villages, and markedly raised the standard of living at the Soltanovaka mental institution.  The goal of the 2010 cycle is to continue to finance the renovation of Soltanovka, located  in eastern Belarus.  This coming year, volunteers will descend to build therapeutic workshops (including woodwork and sewing rooms, and a gymnasium) as well as outdoor recreational facilities to benefit people in the town and promote "inclusion" of people with disabilities. All of this will be completely funded by the cycle, expected to raise €300,000.


Pfizer director Tara Delaney participated in the cycle and told us how proud Pfizer is of their participation.  "This has been a tough year for everyone, but we are glad that the spirit of volunteerism continues and that people are so enthusiastic about backing such a worthy cause."

In these economically strapped times, CCPI is more dependent than ever on people like you to help us raise funds. Perhaps you or your company would be interested in organizing a  event? Contact us.