Adi Roche and Chernobyl Children International Archives donated to UCC
By News Editor Cormac McCarthy
On October 31, UCC recently unveiled the generous donation of the Adi Roche and Chernobyl Children International archives to UCC. This archive, spanning more than five decades, constitutes an extensive collection of materials that chronicle the tireless activism and advocacy of Adi Roche, alongside her pioneering contributions to the Chernobyl Children International (CCI) charity.
Adi Roche, renowned as a humanitarian, activist, and champion for nuclear disarmament, embarked on her journey in 1991 by founding CCI. Her mission: to provide crucial humanitarian assistance to the afflicted children of Ukraine, Belarus, and Western Russia. The charity played an instrumental role in saving countless lives, spanning generations, in the aftermath of the catastrophic 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
Contained within these archives are an array of invaluable artifacts, photographs, films, and correspondence, shedding light on the inner workings of an organization that evolved from grassroots origins into an internationally recognized NGO endorsed by the United Nations. Adi's personal collection of records pertaining to her work with CCI, coupled with historic items from her time as an activist with the Irish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), constitute a significant portion of this comprehensive compilation.
Among the artifacts are radiation maps illustrating the spread of radioactive materials following the Chernobyl disaster, pamphlets from the Irish Anti-Nuclear and Peace movements, and the poignant “Chernobyl Liquidator Medal” presented to Adi by Valeriy Zaytsyev.
Within this extraordinary collection, visitors can also discover a powerful multi-media exhibition that the charity once showcased at the United Nations in New York. This exhibit prominently features the impactful photographs captured by acclaimed Magnum photographer Paul Fusco, which garnered global attention for the enduring, cross-generational consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
At the launch, Adi Roche her hopes for the collection saying:
“Our wish is that it acts not just as a source of information on how ‘mass movements’ and ordinary people can make a change in our society but also it will provide solid research material for future students. The archive spans many decades from the height of the Cold War right to the present day. It is important that we preserve this history, this legacy of social justice activism for safe-keeping and posterity. This archive is not just about ‘book learning’ but is about a different set of learning embracing all the senses, some of which is tactile, experimental, visual and ‘hands on’.”
UCC President Professor John O’Halloran said: “Adi Roche is a trailblazing humanitarian, a driving force for peace, hope and courage and a true inspiration to all. Despite facing almost insurmountable obstacles, Adi has ensured that the people of Ireland have never forgotten the children of Chernobyl. In this time of terrible war, this archive calls on us all to renew our commitment to innocent victims, to stand up, give witness and protect current and future generations in the Chernobyl regions.”
