BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

06/07/2007

Belarus children arrive for three-week holiday

Fourteen children aged from seven to 13 from Belarus are enjoying the sights and sounds of Wicklow on a holiday that is a lifesaver in every sense of the world.

For three weeks the children get good food and fresh air and they (the doctors) say it adds three years onto their lifespan,' said trip organiser Margaret Kearney

The youngsters are from orphanages and foster homes in Belarus and are visiting Ireland as part of a programme organised by the Tinahely Friends of Chernobyl group.

Ms Kearney, a member of the group, said the annual trips were loved by the children and their local hosts alike.

They absolutely love their time in ireland,' she said.

Indeed, the hardest part of the trips seems to be at the end, Margaret said.

It is very emotional to say goodbye,' she said.

She said some were returning to stay with host families they had stayed with in the past, while others were visiting Ireland for the first time.

The children, who are staying with families in Arklow, Tinahely, Carnew, Camolin, Carlow and Tullow, have been enjoying a busy rang eof activities since arriving last Monday week.

Patches disco in Arklow hosted a fun day for them, while the children have also been swimming, fishing and are set to go out on a boat trip.

A translator from Belarus has accompanied the group on the trip.

Arklow host parent Rosarie Kinsella, who has two boys staying with her family this time, said the experience was brilliant.

They (the children) are inclined to gravitate towards each other at first and it takes a while for them to come out of their shells. It is a very rewarding experience.'

The Tinahely group also operated a summer camp program in Belarus for disadvantaged children.

Ms Kinsella said new host families were always welcome.

Source:

http://www.wicklowpeople.ie/news/belarus-children-arrive-for-threeweek-holiday-994766.html