Green Cross therapy camps operate across the region affected by the Chernobyl disaster and chemical weapon stockpile areas. In 2006, 412 children in Belarus, 278 in Russia and 80 children from Ukraine were participants in therapy camps, and since 1994, more than 14,000 children have benefited from their stay at 52 Green Cross Therapy Camps. Young people attend the therapy camps for 24 days of rest,medical care and recreation.The majority of children born in the Chernobyl region since 1986 have chronic problems with their respiratory, digestive and endocrine systems; thus the camp is an opportunity for them to receive treatmentand prescriptions for these aliments. In fact, 83% of the children thatattended the 2006 therapy camps across Russia, Belarus and Ukraine reported feeling healthier after spending time atthe camp.Although the benefits to the children's physical health are quite significant, the effectof the therapy camps on the children's attitudes and confidence levels is also worth noting.
Mother and child project : Belarus, Ukraine, Russia
The specific aim of the Mother and Child Projectis to improve the health of mothers and their children through focused medical attention and by showing them methods for protecting their families from the effects of radioactivity. During a 21 days stay, mothers learn about food growth and preparation techniques that reduce radioactive contamination. Information sessions about basic human health and nutrition, legal advice, and family psychology are also offered. The positive response to this programme is overwhelming. In parallel to this project, family clubs have been established in rural locations, providing mothers with techniques for dealing with stress and improving family relations. They learn bestpractices for reducing nuclear contamination levels, and also receive training and information regarding their legal rights. Above all, the family clubs are a venue for mothers to find a supportive network of women who face similar challenges every day. In Belarus, there are currently four rural family clubs with a combined membership of 490 mothers. Green Cross Russia sponsors eight family clubs and Green Cross Ukraine has 224 members in its three family clubs.
Individual health related programmes : Belarus and Ukraine
The Family Medicine Programme in Belarus is geared the development of public infrastructure for protecting the Chernobyl population from the continuing process of health and social degradation. In 2006, the Family Medicine Project evaluated the health of 16912 people and integrated their medical records into the information database "info clinic". By using "info clinic" software, the long-term healthcare that a patient receives will be more consistent and thorough. Health for the Future is the name of a new and innovative programme orchestrated by Green Cross Ukraine. Like many of the health related projects in the SocMed Programme, Health for the Future liaises with the established state healthcare system to support and strengthen their efforts. In an effort to provide thorough research on the state of children's health and all aspects of chronic paediatric pathology, 761 children were examined and given medical advice. Green Cross Ukraine has also been active pursuing a second projec tin Zhytomyr called the Diabetes Pilot Project.
The Dracula Project
The Dracula Project is a new endeavour for Green Cross Ukraine that addresses the dental needs of mothers, children and youths living in rural areas of the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine. Due to their rural location, dental care and education is difficult and expensive to obtain. The Dracula programme has already improved dental care for over 2,000 children in the region.
The Green Island Facility
Green Cross Belarus is proud to announce the development of Green Island, a facility in Belarus that will be the new location of Green Cross therapy camps, workshops and mother and child projects. Green Island will work in two complimentary directions: ecological education and social and medical rehabilitation.This project, initiated by Green Cross Belarus, is run in partnership with the SocMed programme.
20th anniversary of Chernobyl, Belarus, Ukraine, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany
As 2006 marked the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Green Cross Belarus spent much of the first half of the year preparing anniversary events for the region's young population. In 600 schools across the country approximately 7000 children were able to attend theatre performances and participate in cross-cultural workshops with children from Holland and Germany. Green Cross Ukraine organised a touching solidarity event in Biela Tserkva for 100 disabled children and their families. Green Cross Switzerland also orchestrated activities in Berne and Zurich that served as a public reminder and gesture of solidarity with those affected by the disaster. In Geneva, GCI organised an interfaith ceremony and panel discussion in cooperation with the World Council of Churches. Green Cross Italy organised an international roundtable discussion in partnership with the city of Parma and held an ecumenical dialogue in Rome with representatives of all faiths. Global Green Germany held a press conference with Chernobyl victims and a public event in Berlin in which 50 German parliamentarians made a declaration.
TOP
