Kyrylo Slyva 16, male from Kherson

My name is Kyrylo, I am 16 years old, and I am a 10th-grade student from Kherson — a city in the south of Ukraine. Because of the war, I now live in Mykolaiv with my mother and younger brother. My father is a soldier who bravely defends our country. My mother’s name is lena, and she works at a bank. My younger brother’s name is Illia — he loves basketball and trains regularly.

The war has deeply affected every Ukrainian family, including mine. Because of it, I lost my home, many friends, and some relatives. It makes me very sad. It’s hard to accept how much has changed, but I try to stay strong.

I haven’t seen my grandmother and grandfather for three years — they are still living under occupation. I miss them very much and dream of the day when I can hug them again.

Despite everything, my family remains very close and united. We support each other through all challenges. We also have two pets who bring joy and comfort to our home: a cat named Freddy and a gecko named Perry. Freddy always knows how to cheer us up, even on the hardest days.
f my favorite hobbies is fishing. It helps me relax, clear my mind, and enjoy the beauty of nature. When I sit by the water, problems seem far away.

I also do swimming — it helps me stay in good physical shape. I enjoy crafting things from wood and metal with my hands. I love creating something of my own — it develops imagination, patience, and brings real satisfaction.

Mykolaiv has become my second home, and luckily, it is not far from my native Kherson. The war has taught me to appreciate the simple things — family, friends, peaceful moments, and life itself.