Message from Founder Adi Roche

I started working on Chernobyl in 1986 in the immediate aftermath of the accident and formally founded Chernobyl Children International (CCI) in 1991.

My life’s work has been to develop programmes that restore hope, alleviate suffering and protect current and future generations in the Chernobyl regions. CCI is founded on hope and courage: the hope that the children—one by one and heartbeat by heartbeat—will thrive; and the courage to envision and create a better world.

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Adi Roche founder of CCI
Over the years, as other disasters vie for the world’s attention, Chernobyl has been relegated to the realm of history. But the impact of Chernobyl is still very real and very present to the children who must live in an environment poisoned with radioactivity.
black and white image of sick child

We can’t ignore the latest generation of Chernobyl’s victims.

We mustn’t abandon these future generations. We must, for them and for ourselves, show compassion in every way we can. We cannot ignore or turn away from them. The true character of any society is revealed in the way it treats its children: it is our responsibility to speak out, to tell the truth and advocate for those who have been rendered silent, invisible and powerless.

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On a personal level, I have been deeply touched by the beauty, effervescence and innocence of these children.

Sometimes, holding a little child in my arms, it feels as though the greatest achievement is to be able to give all the love in my heart to that child in those last moments of life: to be able to soothe him or her on their journey and to let them know they are loved and not alone.

At an organisational level, I have had the chance to see a ‘grassroots’ people’s movement grow and develop into the world’s largest charity in this field.

CCI has been able to reach hundreds of thousands of children, and improve their lives immeasurably.

We have delivered over €91m worth of aid and brought more than 22,000 children from the heart of the radiation zones into loving homes in Ireland to rest and recuperate. The scale of what we have accomplished together is truly miraculous.

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On this, the 25th anniversary of the greatest nuclear disaster in history

Let us remember the unimaginable suffering that so many have endured, and the brave sacrifices that so many have made to keep their families and their homeland from total extinction. We can’t forget what happened, and we must not leave behind the children who continue to live with this terrible legacy.

I would like to personally invite you to join our cause and lend these children your support. Consider making a donation, start a fundraising activity, volunteer your time or simply share this important message with others. Don’t doubt that your contribution will make a difference. Together, we can bring comfort and hope to the children of Chernobyl.

Sincerely,
Adi Roche

Adi Roche
Founder,
Chernobyl Children International 

  • boy and girl image

    22,500+

    children brought from radiation zones to homes in Ireland for rest & recuperation.
  • globe icon

    92 million+

    in direct and indirect humanitarian aid to the Chernobyl region.

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  • 200%

    increase in birth defects affecting children born since 1986.

  • 99%

    contaminated land in Belarus. Exclusion zone can never be lived in again.

  • 250%

    increase in congenital birth deformities affecting children born since 1986.

  • 7 million

    people received highest known exposure in history of atomic age.
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