Remembering Chernobyl - 17 Years Later
by Gail Martin, Elmira Independent

Every year, on April 26, the world is invited to reflect and pause, remembering a tragedy that took place 17 years ago in Chernobyl. The explosion at reactor 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, which spewed an estimated 190 tons of radioactive uranium and graphite throughout the countryside, still affects day-to-day life in the former communist stronghold. The contaminated regions of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia will likely remain that way for generations. Now, 17 years after the disaster, children who have grown up in badly contaminated regions are becoming young men and women.

The anniversary is always especially poignant for West Montrose resident Sally Weber, who, along with many other local residents, coordinates the efforts of Canadian Friends of Chernobyl¹s Children. This organization brings children from Belarus to Canada each and every summer, in an attempt to provide a respite from a land where almost every thing is contaminated. Belarus received about 70 per cent of the radioactive waste from the Chernobyl disaster. More than 40 per cent of the land is contaminated. That means that a great deal of the food consumed by the children has radioactive properties.

By bringing the children to Canada for eight to 12 weeks, said Weber, they can gain strength, develop a stronger immune system, and get medical care that they might not otherwise get back at home. The situation is not good in Belarus. "The birth rate is less than the death rate," said Weber. "Many feel there is no hope." Cancer rates have increased in the country since the disaster, and the children are very susceptible to illness. Coming to Canada gives their young bodies a rest. Many grow several inches and gain weight while here, and become more energetic and strong.

One young girl, Svetlana Zaitsava, visited Canada last year for the first time. She is now 18, and was only two years old when the Chernobyl nuclear accident occurred. In a letter that she sent back to her host family, Svetlana shared her impressions of Canada, and how different it is from life in Belarus.
"The motto of Belarussians: today is today, tomorrow will be tomorrow. Canadians try to plan everything. You always think what is going to be tomorrow and even further. Canada  changed me. I had a great opportunity to communicate with great people. I could see another world, much better than my own."

"There were so many things about Canada I liked very much," Svetlana added, "but it is difficult to express everything on the paper. But when I hear something about Canada, I remember at once smiling, polite, kind people and great beauty of this great country.

Weber said that many of the children are not only exposed to a healthier environment, but are exposed to a world where more things are possible. They learn that they can change things, an idea that is not always expressed back in Belarus.

One child who participates in the program is interested in becoming a pharmacist, something that Weber and her group hopes to encourage and support. "That is where the hope is, in the children," said Weber. "In Belarus, the environment is not going to change, for many years to come, but the children will."

Svetlana will be returning this summer, both for medical reasons, and to help out as an additional interpreter. Her English is quite good, and will likely come in handy this summer. A total of 31 children will be coming this summer, along with two adult interpreters. The first group will arrive on May 30, with the eight-week group arriving on June 29.

A fundraising dinner will be held next month, on May 25, to support Canadian Friends of Chernobyl¹s Children. The dinner, which will start at 5pm, will include live and silent auctions, door prizes, and entertainment. To support the dinner, or Canadian Friends of Chernobyl¹s Children, contact Weber at 669-4923.