Child’s play joy for Chernobyl orphans

ONE Irishman is even better than Santa Claus for 13,000 Chernobyl orphans — because he brings them the gift of play.

Tom McEnaney, business editor of a Sunday newspaper, helped install a playground in a Belarussian orphanage last year. He found it had a far greater impact on the children than any other environment improvement projects.

"For them the playground is far better than Santa Claus, and I have done Santa Claus for the children so I know what I am talking about," he said.

A qualified civil engineer, Tom is one of about 15 people, mostly single professionals, involved with the Chernobyl Orphanage Development Programme (CODP) that renovates orphanages in Belarus.

Last year CODP moved on to work on Dyatlovo Orphanage in Western Belarus. In two trips last May and December, using €150,000 raised mainly from corporate donations, the group completed over 20 renovation and refurbishment projects.

They also established a 60-acre farm so that the orphanage can become self-sufficient.

But of all CODP's projects, last May's installation of a playground had the greatest effect on the children.

"Within a matter of days, relatively listless children became more animated. We made sure Santa Claus visited Dyatlovo last December he had not stopped there in previous years for his own reasons but the thrill of Santa was eclipsed by the playground."

Seeking to understand the transformation, CODP spoke to psychologists, who explained that play was fundamental to children's development.

Tom said the plan is to install playgrounds in 57 other orphanages. The state-owned Minsk Automobile Assembling Plant, which until 10 years ago made military tanks, has agreed to manufacture, deliver and install the playgrounds for about €5,000 each.

"This project will directly improve the lives of 13,000 orphans, as well as those who pass through the orphanages for years to come. If we were to achieve nothing else but to bring a little laughter and fun into their difficult lives, then this project will have been an extraordinary success," said Tom.

All the money raised by CODP a registered charity is spent on improving the living environment of Belarussian orphans. Members of the group cover their own travel and living expenses while working on the various projects. All materials and equipment are sourced in Belarus.

* Individuals and businesses who want to help fund the project can contact Michael Ryan at 086-2607719.