What is Chernobyl?
On April 26, 1986, the worst nuclear accident in history took place at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Soviet Ukraine. The Unit #4 reactor exploded sending a deadly plume of radioactive material, more than 200 times the amount released at Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined, into the air.
FAQ’s about Chernobyl
Year: April, 1986
Where: Chernobyl - Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukraine close to the souther border of Bearus.
What happened: Unit #4 reactor explodes sending a deadly plume of radioactive material, more than 200 times the amount released at Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined, into the air.
Video Links:
A well done and fascinating look at Chernobyl today and its history.
A touching music video of one mans effort to help the Children affected by Chernobyl
How Greenpeace views the Chernobyl accident
Today an estimated 3 million people, including nearly 1 million children from the republics of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia are suffering the effects of radioactive fallout on their agricultural lands and waterways.
Who Are We?
The Nevada County Chernobyl Children's Project (NCCCP) is one of many groups around the world that have organized grassroots relief efforts to bring out some of the children living in affected areas. Over two decades after the disaster, the legacy of Chernobyl's environmental, medical, economic and social devastation continues as a daily reality for the people of Belarus, Ukraine and Western Russia. Fortunately, the effort to bring children out for summer home stays also endures.
How Are The Children Chosen?
The children are chosen by the charity we work with in Belarus. We have instructed our partners to choose children who live in the contaminated zones and who come from families who do not have the means to otherwise send their child for a recuperative holiday. We can specify both the gender and the age, between 8 and 12.
Do The Children Have Serious Health problems When they Arrive?
No, they must be able to travel around the world. Most of the children have broken down immune systems that need to heal by being in a clean environment, eating healthy food and getting rest. Generally, they all need dental care as this is not readily available to them at home. Each host family is given a copy of the child's medical history and a Medical Treatment Release Form signed by the child's parents. All of the children are covered by a health insurance policy while in the U.S.
Do The Children Speak Any English?
A few of the children speak a little English, though most do not. With children, however, there are no language barriers! Most children quickly learn a few words of English which, along with mime, drawing and "kid speak", allow everyone to communicate with or without language! The children are accompanied by an adult interpreter who is available at all times to host families. A list of community volunteers who speak Russian is also given to each host family. In addition there are internet resources that can help with translation.
What Does It Cost To Sponsor A Child Of Chernobyl?
It currently costs about $1700.00 to bring a child to the U.S. This covers transportation, visa and health insurance costs. The NCCCP works year round to raise the funds needed to bring children to Nevada County each summer.
