A very special group of 150 children have arrived at Shannon Airport from Belarus as part Chernobyl Children International’s (CCI) 30th Anniversary programme to take children out of the Chernobyl affected regions for respite care in Ireland this summer.
Belavia flight 9101 from Minsh arrived at the mid-west airport at 2.11 this afternoon
The summer Rest and Recuperation Programme gives the children, who come from impoverished backgrounds and state-run institutions, a health-boosting reprieve from the toxic environment and high levels of radiation to which they are exposed.
This is due to the ongoing recontamination of the environment by forest fire in the affected regions.
Voluntary CEO of CCI Adi Roche said: “It warms everyone’s heart today to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they arrive safe and happy into Shannon. Our wonderful volunteers have opened their hearts and their homes to these children every summer, children who so desperately need our help.
While the Chernobyl accident happened 30 years ago the consequences last forever. My heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers who offer hope to live to the children who the world has largely forgotten,” Ms Roche added.