Some 160 mentally and physically disabled children live in an orphanage in the village of Vesnova in southern Belarus. Much of their care is provided by Irish volunteers from Chernobyl Children International, an aid organization with U.S. and Irish branches. The group says its work is intended to help "overcome the domino effect of poverty, poor health, and social and psychosocial impact that was the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster." (9 PHOTOS)
Help From Abroad For Disabled Belarusian Orphans
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Volunteer Brendan Galvin from Ireland plays with a child at an orphanage near the village of Vesnovo. Nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists are among the foreign volunteers at the institution.
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Nurse Lubov Tagai feeds one of the children.
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A Belarusian nurse pushes a child on a wheelchair.
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Volunteer Emma Gaughan plays with a child. The volunteers are involved in training local care workers, as well as helping patients with daily activities.
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Volunteer Loretta Gaughan (left) and nurse Laura Murphy, both from Ireland, serve a meal.
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Laura Murphy and Loretta Gaughan from Ireland play with children.
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Laura Murphy and Trina Gilchriest perform a check-up on a child.