Legambiente Solidarietà

In 1994 Legambiente began the Chernobyl project which consists of a hosting campaign for children coming from the contaminated areas of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus . During an international camp with Russian and Belarusian volunteers, Legambiente became aware of the living standards of these areas and as a consequence decided to start the above-mentioned project which still allows about 1500 children to come to Italy each summer. Our association tries to help children who never left their villages and who live in the areas where it is more difficult to receive aid. Since 1994 over 20.000 children were hosted thanks to the work of public bodies, groups and local communities which all over Italy prepare social events, parties and healthy food for the children. According to a survey of Enea, after staying in a non-contaminated place and eating healthy food, children lose from 30 to 50 % of the absorbed caesium and are therefore less likely to contract diseases connected with the accident.
The Chernobyl project does not only have a therapeutic significance but it is also an instrument to increase the awareness of the public on the damage caused by the use of nuclear power.
Thanks to the project, Legambiente started to cooperate with local Authorities, schools and hospitals: new cooperation programs were established with the aim of involving children and adults who live in areas at risk ( the Swan Project and the First Aid Point for the supply of medicines and basic medical equipment).
Since 2008 Legambiente stopped the programme of host in Italy to focus on assistance activities in countries affected by the Chernobyl accident. It's a case of the "Rugiada" project, that takes place in an art center in Belarus, in Vilejka, a village on the shores of a lake in the territory uncontaminated. The structure, built with technologies eco-sustainable was taken into account by Legambiente for the organization to distance support of children who live in areas at risk and who have special health problems. The Center is also place of support medical and teaching that allows you to follow children with specific programs. The "Rugiada" project is not only a place of support for children, but also a practical tool for building the foundations of a future for themselves. Other centers like the one found by Legambiente were closed during these years e l'associazione is trying to bring in line with the help and support of local partners some of these structures.