The Children of Chernobyl Foundation’s goal is to help children exposed to the radiation resulting from the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Each summer, the Foundation brings a group of “healthy” Belarusian children to the USA for a 5-week respite—a time for the children to have fun, live in a radiation-free environment, enjoy our beautiful country, and hopefully improve their immune systems. 

The children stay with local families and become an integral part of the host families’ lives. While most of the Belarusian children do not speak English, this has never hampered their ability to interact with the families. Their hugs, tears, smiles and universal sign language speak for themselves. It is remarkable how easy it is to communicate and for the children to have the time of their lives despite the lack of a common language. For times when communication is critical, interpreters who accompany the children from Belarus are readily available.

The host families primarily ensure that the Belarusian children get plenty of healthy food, lots of love, and are instilled with a sense of hope. In addition, they take the children to see doctors during their visit. To ensure that everybody has the best time possible, there are many activities in which groups of families and children get together.

At the end of the five weeks, most host families find it very difficult to say goodbye. It brings them so much joy to see the children return home happy and healthy—and hopefully better able to physically handle their difficult living environment—but at the same time the children’s smiles and hugs will be missed terribly. Or as one parent expressed it, “The memories of that child stay with you all year long—so much that you can’t wait until they return.”