UNDP - Belarus
With funds raised by bike2belarus 07 and 08, we have made a 20,000 euro contribution to the UNDP Belarus Support Programme. This enables the continued existance of the CORE organisation which supports the integration of local community initiatives aimed at Chernobyl recovery effforts with international expertise. Our organisation is represented at board level in the CORE Programme and is the only Irish representative in this important international initiative.

Completion of Construction in Vasilevka
Six specially designed disabled access rooms have been completed  together with  disabled access ramps, pathways, new shower rooms etc. with funding from our three bike2belarus campaigns. Added to the pathway construction completed by the bike2belarus07 and 08 crews and the installation of computers by Dr.Tommy Cooke's DIT Digital Community Project, this represents a highly visible component of our humanitarian efforts.

Funding of Education Fund
For the past number of years we have funded the salaries, transport and administration costs of the leading local humanitarian organisation in Southern Belarus - Education Fund. Igor Trisno and Joe Mc Grath met recently to discuss continued funding so as to enable Education Fund to continue its work with Hospice Care, rehabilitation and independent living programme.

Greenhouse Project

With a grant from ESB's ElectricAID programme, STUDENTaid Chernobyl, was able to construct six greenhouses in Vasilevka and another is planned for Rechitca. The greenhouses will be used to train young adults in horticulture and will provide fresh fruit and vegetables for Vasilevka's kitchens.

Dominic Hope House Rechitca

In the town of Rechitca, there is a very special new home constructed by Irish and Belarusian builders. It is memory of Dominic O'Brien, a Chernobyl volunteer who left the creation of this unique project in the capable hands of his wife Liz and his many friends who over  a few years gathered the funds and built this home which is specially adapted for disabled access. It is intended to act as a Transition House between institutional life and independent living. STUDENT aid Chernobyl will fund this project for three years before handing it over to the Belarusian Ministry of Social Protection. Here, young adults with disabilities, will learn basic living skills and receive education and job training.

Contact Joe Mc Grath by e-mailing jmcgrath@dit.ie