This is the story of 14-year-old Oleh from Lviv — about how support and a safe space can help a teenager open up, believe in himself, and find friends. From the outside, Oleh’s life may seem ordinary: school, the city, everyday routines. But adolescence itself is a challenging period, when a young person especially needs attention, acceptance, and support from adults.
A Difficult Experience
In first grade, Oleh lost his father. He says he barely remembers that time, but the loss left a lasting mark — shaping his sense of safety and trust in others. To support her son and help him build communication with peers, his mother turned to the “SviTY” space.
Oleh has been attending the space since September. At first, he was reserved, spoke little during sessions, and chose to sit apart from others. From the very beginning, everyone noticed his unique personality and strong sense of style — Oleh has a passion for fashion and experimenting with his appearance. Over time, he gradually opened up: he began communicating more with others and showed himself to be a reliable friend. Other participants started asking, “Will Oleh be there today?” He became an important part of the group.
The Winter Camp as a New Step
A particularly meaningful stage for Oleh was the winter camp. At first, he felt anxious, but the support of new friends helped him feel more confident and take another step toward connecting with others.
Now, Oleh has grown more confident: he actively attends sessions, shows initiative in communication, and signs up for activities on his own. Most importantly, he has found friends who support him. This is a story about small steps toward others that can make a profound difference.
