Introduction
Children who are abandoned by the parents due to mental or physical disability are put into asylums such as the Vesnova Children's Asylum. If they live to age 18 -- and have no other options -- they are moved on. Where?
Soltanovka Adult Mental Asylum is one of the places residents of the Vesnova Children's Asylum go when they turn 18. Chernobyl Children's Project International staff have met a number of our young friends in this dismal and dilapidated building that becomes the final home for many mentally disabled children who grow up.
While we continue to focus our efforts on developing alternatives to institutionalization and ways to integrate disabled young adults into the community, we cannot turn our backs on the almost 200 disabled adults of all ages who live in Soltanovka.
In 2008, CCPI volunteers began a dental program, replaced old drafty windows, renovated showers and toilets, and completed a new bright unit to replace a dank and dismal one. In 2009, with your support, we hope to replace another unit, replace a leaky unstable roof, and start to develop training programs for the care giving staff that we hope will raise the quality of life for the residents of Soltanovka.
Institutionalization of the mentally disabled -- once a common practice in the United States and Europe, and still common in many places throughout the world -- robs people of their dignity and individuality. We hope the photos in this album will provide a glimpse into the humanity of each resident of the Soltanovka asylum.
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