"For the past couple of years we have been sometimes here and sometimes back in Ireland when little ones have passed on. There are a number of little graves in Cherven and in Gorodishche that do not have a a permanent headstone over the graves of the children and we are now in the process of looking after each grave. In the past we have managed to mark every resting place with a nice cross but we may not have the funds for that now – so we are looking at a smaller but permanent stone marker. In Cherven Children’s plot where several of the children who visited Ireland over the years now lie, there are twelve small graves needing attention.

The little wooden crosses do not last very long so it would be great to have a more permanent headstone for the children.

In Gorodishche there are also four graves without a permanent headstone and we are looking at having this done over the coming months. At the moment I am investigating prices of the total cost.

Thanks to all those who have shown interest in this task and to those who have already made a donation towards the costs involved".

Liam O'Meara

April is already gone and we are happy to share the news of the last month.

It was really busy! Several orphanages welcomed volunteers from Burren Chernobyl project and not only.

One of the Burren Chernobyl Project representatives Brian O’Sullivan visited Cherven children’s orphanage, some families in Cherven area and also took part in the Conference on social issues that took place in Minsk along with Liam O’Meara – The director of our Charity and of BCP and Simon Walsh – the director of our partner’s organization Chernobyl Children’s Trust. Brian has donated some medical stuff, some of the little bits and pieces like kettles, a blender and a microwave oven for the orphanage.

Gorodische Children’s orphanage also welcomed a group of 4 Irish volunteers that came over to Belarus for the first time. They’ve been helping with looking after the children in beds, did massage, organized sport games for the older boys and girls, organized little parties in every Unit with plenty of sweet and drinks and yogurts and fruit. They really enjoyed the time and are hoping to come back again, hopefully in autumn.

Cherven psycho neurological asylum in Yazovki village was also happy to have a building team from Co. Offaly, Ireland. We have already informed you on that in details here.

And one last bit of news on the volunteer groups. Cherven children’s orphanage has opened their doors to a group of young people from different countries – Belarus, China, Northern Ireland, Germany, Spain, Malaysia, that temporary live or study in Minsk. The idea belongs to Simon Walsh – the Chernobyl Childern’s Trust director who has organized them to come and visit the orphanage and meet the children. The first visit was very impressive for all of them but some of them are coming back in May. Looking forward to it!

We say thank you very much from the bottom of our heart for your attention, help and your kind hearts. We are happy to have you!

First building week is over

The 5 lads from Co. Offaly, Ireland that came via Burren Chernobyl project to give a hand on a building project – House for independent living – made a fantastic start!

The volunteers have done an enormous job putting all the outside and inside walls together on the foundation. They were really fast and professional! And of course we say thanks a million on behalf of all involved into it!

By the time when next group of Irish volunteers come to Yazovki at the end of May, everything will be ready to do the roof!

Can’t wait to see the progress!

Well done to the lads! And hope to see you soon again!

Thank you very much again and again for your support!