Help for the children of Mayak
Can you imagine living besides a river the banks of which are inaccessible on the other side due to radioactive pollution since years – and are likely to remain that way for an undetermined period of time? We would surely pack our bags and move away, but for the people living in Russkaja Tetscha (Tscheljabinsk, Ural) this is sadly not an option.
The village down the river south of Russia’s nuclear power plant Mayak appears to be a godforsaken place. And during the past century the Tetscha has carried radioactive radiation here since the 50s: whether purposely or by accident, but very often without the knowledge of the local inhabitants.
Fear of genetic damage along with that of cancer and deformed babies has driven people to their limits. Illness, unemployment and alcoholism have now taken the upper hand – medical assistance is scarce and children’s deaths are on the rise. It’s not surprising that nobody wants to live in this depressing region and no company has intentions of investing here.
Here, a humane enterprise is vital – and Green Cross is one!
In the past seven years, we have got the medical system up and running again. Children in the community undergo periodic check-ups and treatment. We also support the school and kindergarten so all children receive a decent education. Not only do we invest in general knowledge, but also in the topics of hygiene and healthy eating; thus promoting, consciousness, self-assurance, responsibility and a strong will for the next generation.
Fortunately we can also help individual families on a regular basis – sometimes with as little as good advice, but more often with basic things such as clothing and small amounts of cash. We even «invest» in crayons, so the children of Mayak can draw the colourful worlds in which they would like to live.
Please support us with a personal Green Cross investment. Your donation is greatly appreciated – and represents a lifeline for improving the lives of people in Russkaja Tetscha. Sincere thanks!
