Our group hails from the Kingdom of Kerry, Ireland, and transports aid and help with construction and renovation work to orphanages and schools mainly in Belarus and Albania.
Our name derives from our "positive" approach in doing work with the view to setting up locals with the necessary infrastructure to fend for themselves.
Origins
The Chernobyl power plant is situated 16kms, south from the Belarus border. Over 70% of the fallout of the accident in 1986 blew north and fell on Belarus. The effect on soil and water was horrific, with practically all the country being contaminated. The children are undernourished so we decided to set up our fund to help the plight of these children. We mainly would be associated with Chernobyl and Albania, but also help other underprivileged regions of the world.
On the day of the accident Mikhail Gorbachev was on a visit to the United States and was in New York. Kenny O'Flaherty was also there at the time and queued with the many thousands to get a glimpse of "the second most powerful man in the world". Eventually the motorcade came along and stopped on the street right where Kenny was standing. Mikhail got out on the opposite side and shook hands to on-lookers. He waved to the crowd on Kenny's side and then went on. On that night he unexpectedly went back to Russia because of some problem. We now know what that problem was, but the day infixed a mark on Kenny that he had to do something to help. He decided to help the children of Belarus, who were innocent victims of this awful catastrophe.
With so many people wanting to help, get involved and go to Belarus to work as a volunteer, Kenny decided to form Positive Aid.
Groups
We mainly work with other groups like Dunshaughlin Chernobyl Group, Co. Meath, Chernobyl Orphanage Appeal of Charleville, Co. Cork, Humanitarian Initiative Support Centre in Belarus, Chernobyl Aid Galway, Chernobyl orphanage development programme of Dublin. In the passed we worked with Chernobyl Aid Ireland Ltd. of Waterford, in the orphanage / boarding school and farm in Grozovo, in the Minsk region of Belarus. The work in the past included preparing outside walls for new plaster by stripping the old, helping in the installation of toilets, showers and a kitchen.
We carried machinery to do some site-work in 2002, including help erect a large hen house. (see web-page "Our History"). In 2001 we helped to erect a storage shed and install a dairy on the adjoining farm. This, we hope, signals the dawn of a new beginning for the farm and the children. We intend to continue to help with the Grosovo programme for the foreseeable future.
We are also involved with Cradle in Albania, in bringing aid and co-sponsoring an ambulance. (See web-page "Our History")
Day Trips
In the past when the children from Belarus visit another Tralee group: Chernobyl Children's Fund Tralee and District Ltd., we have organised outings to Dingle, taking in a boat trip to see 'Fungi' the dolphin. As Belarus is a landlocked country, 'Oceanworld' aquarium is particularly educational to the children. The fish always fascinate them.
The children also enjoy their visit to Farmworld in Camp, where they see rare animals and play in freedom in the playhall.
Food Drive
In February 2000, we held a 'food drive' in Dingle and Castlegregory. A favourable response ensured we had good food and a packed load going to Belarus. Special thanks to all the supermarkets who helped us.
Future
Our aim is to continue the undertakings we are involved in and perhaps, if finances would allow, expand our operation especially in Albania.
