It is with great pride and joy that we share the amazing news that two more wonderful residents of Vesnova Children’s Institution have regained their ‘Right’ to live independently! Vasilli and Sasha progressed through all stages of CCI’s pioneering Restoration of Rights Programme which resulted in this fantastic achievement.

CCI’s ground-breaking Restoration of Rights Programme, delivered in partnership with the Department of Social Protection in Mogilev, has a strong focus on education and skill-building, and this vital programme helps participants to regain their Right to live an independent life, free from institutions.

CCI will continue to support Vasilli and Sasha in their transition from institutionalised life to one of liberty within the community. The final step of this process will involve moving to the CCI developed Independent Living apartments in Chausey, alongside friends who have already moved there. This will be the first time either Sasha or Vasilli will have a home of their own, since being abandoned as young children.

CCI is the only UN-accredited NGO working in the Chernobyl region, and we work tirelessly to ensure that we comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This achievement is a great example of CCI’s work as part of CCI work towards the global movement of de-institutionalisation.

Having Rights and freedom is something that many of us take for granted, but this important milestone now allows these three young individuals to live independently, to gain employment, and to be a part of the local community.

This crucial milestone would not have been possible were it not for your support. Vasilli and Sasha have been afforded the precious gift of living their lives how they choose, thanks to your generosity.

We wish them our warmest congratulations and thank you to our supporters who believed in them, and so many others like them, especially their host families here in Ireland.