The Burren Chernobyl Project was founded in 1993 to help the victims of the fallout from the Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor explosion.  Since their establishment there have been many projects carried out to assist the children and their families in coping with the physical, social and economic effects of exposure to high doses of radiation.  These include projects in Orphanges, Adult Asylums, Day Care Centres, Housing Programmes and Respite visits to Ireland.  An example of just one of many projects the Burren Chernobyl Project has undertaken is The Chervan Orphanage.

The Chervan orphanage is home to around 250 intellectually and physically disabled children, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years. Prior to 1997, when the Burren Chernobyl Project began working in the facility, the children were divided into groups of about 25 children, each group of 25 had a damp, cold, cramped bedroom, an empty “playroom”, a dining room and a filthy bathroom. During the day the children sat in the bare, dark “playroom” and were left for the most part unattended.  As a result of minimum human contact and no stimulation the children did not develop and simply sat silently in a rocking motion.  There was little or no sound, no laughter not even crying as they learned long before that no one would answer their cries.  Physically they suffered muscle wastage and bone growth deformations due to inactivity and being left in stationary positions for extensive periods of time.  Children were left in filthy cloth nappies that were often left unchanged for many hours.

Since refurbishment the children now enjoy attention from more staff, use of toys, games and access to the swings and playground.  They have warm, spacious bright rooms, televisions and walking aids allowing them to get about more.  This is all within the confines of a new, safe, clean and friendly home.  The children are now changed 3 times a day with disposable nappies.  This is expensive however and accounts for 30% of the orphanges budget, all of which is provided by The Burren Chernobyl Project.  For more information on the Burren Chernobyl Project or to enquire about volunteering you can visit their website www.burrenchernobyl.ie or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For More Pictures of The Chervan Orphanage Click Here.

To View Pictures of Another Project Run by The Burren Chernobyl Project in The Tarasiki Institute, Click Here.