Every child in Belarus is a deserving child regardless of social background and family circumstances. Belarus is a developing country that has suffered severely from the fallout caused by the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986. Jewish children from Grodno and Lida are no exception.

Each child will be different but few will have enjoyed the comforts and facilities we take so much for granted. Many people be living in overcrowded flats in tower blocks. They may not be too familiar with the concept of privacy and may appear fussy about their food because of stomach problems or because they have been taught to avoid certain foods because of the high incidence of contamination by radiation (e.g. milk).

Belarusian people are proud and the children may not like to admit to shortages and lack of facilities (some may even exaggerate about what they do have). What is certain is that the parents and guardians of these children are desperate to send their children abroad for good, uncontaminated food, fresh water, fresh air and a chance for respite from all these concerns and difficulties. They also want them to experience life in the outside world and gain a sense of belonging and comfort from knowing they are part of a bigger Jewish family that cares. For these children, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The purpose of these guidance notes is to help host families to enable the children to fit comfortably and easily into the routine of the family home.