Get involved
A
non-profit, humanitarian aid project begun in 1991 to bring Belarusian
children to the United States for six weeks each summer for a respite
from breathing contaminated air as result of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear
power disaster. The worst accident ever known to man, the Chernobyl
nuclear power blast was 70 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb
dropped on in World War II.
Belarus
People
living in the small country of Belarus (formerly part of the communist
Soviet Union), have been the hardest hit victims from this catastrophe,
and many deaths have occurred as a result. The continuing contamination
of a country with little resources available to clean up the fallout,
has particularly affected the children, resulting in numerous birth
defects and cancer related conditions. A trip to the United States for
six weeks of “fresh” unpolluted air can add up to two full years to the
life expectancy of these children.
HOST FAMILIES
Families
in the Catawba Valley area can host a child between the
ages of 7 and 16 (family child or orphan) for the six week period,
after completing an application and getting a recommendation from their
pastor. The host family makes sure the children are present for
laboratory and physician appointments arranged by the group. Families
are encouraged to take them to the dentist and eye doctor as well. This
gives families the opportunity to spread the word about the program as
well as be a witness to God’s eternal love. Those who donate services
get to take part in God’s great commandment to “love your neighbor as
yourself.” Knowing the Russian language is not necessary, English
speaking adult chaperones accompany the children from Belarus. Families
include the children in their normal routines and summer schedules. Do
not feel compelled to spend large sums of money on these children, nor
entertain them with costly activities.
THE COSTS
ABRO
requires a fee that covers each child’s travel costs, documentation and
other travel arrangements, as well as accident insurance for the child.
The costs vary from year to year but are usually around $1000. A
deposit of $500 dollars is due in late February.
You can be
involved in other ways, too. Here are some suggested ways for
individuals and churches to participate:
- Host a child or chaperone.
- Make a welcome basket for the
chaperones.
- Make welcome baskets for
each child. Items included might be a comb, toothpaste, toothbrush;
cards to send back home from America, candy, etc.
- Make a farewell bag for
each child and chaperone to take back to their families or orphanages
in Belarus, including school supplies, vitamins, etc.
- Help provide the food for a social
event for hosting families and their American and Belarusian
children.
- Invite a hosting family and a
Belarusian child to their church or civic organization to tell about
the program.
- Take a Belarusian child
out to lunch with a host family member and purchase a good pair of
shoes or some clothing (coat, scarves, jeans, etc.) to take back to
Belarus. Sunday school classes or civic groups may take this on as a
project.
- Provide hosting families
with coupons or tickets to special events that would help cut their
expenses while the child is in their home this summer with your
suggestions or for other needs.
- Prepare a meal to take to the host
family during the first week their Belarusian child is with them.
- Donate money to help pay for a child or chaperone to come.
