where sending your child outside to play is detrimental to their health. Imagine a world where local vegetables are full of radiation. Imagine a world where a child’s coat costs 1/3 of your monthly income. This world is the reality for the children of Belarus, and these children need your help.
ABOUT US
The Chernobyl Disaster
In 1986 the world’s worst nuclear disaster occurred at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant located in northern Ukraine. The Chernobyl explosion put 400 times more radioactive material into the Earth’s atmosphere than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Over 70% of the radiation fallout drifted north and east, landing within Belarusian borders. The radiation will be a part of the lives of the Belarusian people for hundreds of years to come and significantly affects the health of the over 2 million people living in the most contaminated regions. The contamination leads to thyroid cancers, leukemia, birth defects, vision and hearing loss and leads to an overall weakened immune system. Children’s growing bodies are most affected and it is crucial that they are given respite opportunities away from the radiation. In addition to the health impacts, the radiation fallout had a detrimental impact on the economy of Belarus, leading to many families needing help providing for the needs of their children.
WHAT WE DO
H.O.P.E for Belarus exists solely to provide humanitarian aid to the children of Belarus. We seek to do this through Health, Opportunities, Partnerships, and Education
Health
By providing respite trips away from the radiation the children’s lifespans are increased; they receive rest for their overtaxed thyroid which may lead to a decreased need for synthetic thyroid medication; and they receive healing for their weakened lungs which means they are more able to fight the respiratory infections that plague many of the children of Belarus
Opportunities
We provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, travel, fellowship and more. We wish to provide the opportunities for each child to reach their potential.
Partnerships
We are a global community and we seek to partner with many individuals to fulfill our purpose, including the children’s families in Belarus, medical personnel, and many volunteers who donate their time and expertise.
Education
We believe education is a door that opens our hearts and minds to many possibilities. Whether it is people in the US that do not realize how the Chernobyl Disaster affects Belarus or it is the children of Belarus being able to practice their English and learn more about the US. We provide opportunities to learn in Belarus and the US.
Get Involved
Want to have an impact on the life of a Belarusian child? Contact us to learn how to be involved here in the US or visit our Travel to Belarus page for more information on our next trip to Belarus!
Upcoming Events
TBD - Charlotte Information Meeting
TBD pm Join us in Charlotte to learn more about H.O.P.E. for Belarus’ mission! Contact us for location details; hope4belarus@gmail.com or 336-407-6062
TBD - Raleigh Information Meeting
TBD pm Join us in Raleigh to learn more about H.O.P.E. for Belarus’ mission! Contact us for location details; hope4belarus@gmail.com or 336-407-6062
Learn
More Information
ABOUT BELARUS
Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe that is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. It has a population of 9.2 million people and is approximately the size of Kansas. It has a tumultuous history, with the land making up modern day Belarus being controlled by various entities until it became a founding member of the USSR.
Additional resources
The “E” in H.O.P.E. for Belarus stands for Education and we strive to provide educational opportunities not only for the children of Belarus, but also for people in the United States to learn more about the plight of the people of Belarus and the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster. Below are excellent resources for you to learn more!