Host Handbook
The children who come to stay with you will have been chosen for one or more of the following reasons:
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They have had cancer and are now in remission after treatment.
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They live n one of the contaminated parts of the country.
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They have been evacuated from a very heavily contaminated area.
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They have other illnesses related to the situation in Belarus, or have recently recovered from an operation.
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They live in an orphanage. (We would only recommend that experienced host family’s host orphan children.)
Many of the children who come from the villages in the contaminated areas live in small wooden houses, often with no water, no heating and very little comfort. In some cases they may have parents who have problems with alcohol and be quite neglected. Others may live quite simple lives but be well loved and cared for. Most of the children who come from towns live in very small flats, and some live in temporary hostels where kitchens and toilets are shared with other families.
However, it is important to remember that not all the children come from very poor families.
Many of the children are reasonably healthy and the purpose of the holiday is to help them stay that way. Just remember that while whilst they live at home they are constantly eating contaminated food and Caesium or other radioactive elements may be building up in their bodies. They are all at high risk of developing cancer, heart disease or serious respiratory or digestive problems. The time they spend with you may help to prevent this. |
