“I was forbidden to play and run, but I wanted to be a footballer”: the story of Yaroslav Svorak’s victories

Yaroslav Svorak has lived in Ivano-Frankivsk all his life. This is where he experienced his ups and downs, losses and victories. Since childhood, he has been proving to himself and those around him that with hard work, the support of loved ones, and a strong will, you can achieve a lot.  The man does not… Continue reading “I was forbidden to play and run, but I wanted to be a footballer”: the story of Yaroslav Svorak’s victories

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When home becomes the whole world: the story of 12-year-old Iryna from Shumsk

This is the story about Iryna from the town of Shumsk. The girl has a complex illness. Her relatives surround her with love and strongly believe in a better future. The large Dyachuk family lives in the town of Shumsk in the Kremenets district. The parents named each of their five babies at birth as… Continue reading When home becomes the whole world: the story of 12-year-old Iryna from Shumsk

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Creating diamond mosaic paintings and helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine: the story of 16-year-old Oleksandr from Chortkiv

Oleksandr Kit is a young man from the city of Chortkiv. He learned how to create diamond mosaics and became one of the volunteers for Ukrainian defenders. His works are exhibited and sold at auctions in Ukraine and abroad, and all proceeds go to help the army. Oleksandr mastered this new type of handicraft at… Continue reading Creating diamond mosaic paintings and helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine: the story of 16-year-old Oleksandr from Chortkiv

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Kilometers of trials — and two people who chose to be together. The story of Alla and Vasyl Vasylyshyn

“To move forward, you have to walk,” say Alla and Vasyl Vasylyshyn. Together, they have been through a lot: trials of distance, time, fears, social prejudices, thousands of kilometers on the Ukrainian Railways between Ivano-Frankivsk and Voznesensk, and all this in addition to rare diseases. But these two have become not only spouses, but also… Continue reading Kilometers of trials — and two people who chose to be together. The story of Alla and Vasyl Vasylyshyn

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The power of communities: young people in Ivano-Frankivsk developed ideas on how to make the city more accessible

For over a month, meetings entitled “The Power of Communities” were held in Ivano-Frankivsk for young people with disabilities. They were organized by the public association “League of the Strong” to help participants feel that they can influence change and become part of a community that acts as a driving force for inclusive change. According… Continue reading The power of communities: young people in Ivano-Frankivsk developed ideas on how to make the city more accessible

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Inspiration in Everyday Life: How Dmytro Lapay, a Young Man from Cherkasy, Is Conquering TikTok and the City’s Stages

«Hi, everyone. I have Down syndrome. Don’t be surprised by my comments, because I don’t know how to write,» is how Dmytro Lapay introduces himself on his TikTok account. But does the ability to write really determine a person’s value? Of course not. The 19-year-old from Cherkasy proves this every day, winning over his audience… Continue reading Inspiration in Everyday Life: How Dmytro Lapay, a Young Man from Cherkasy, Is Conquering TikTok and the City’s Stages

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“Sometimes people look at me with surprise, and I don’t understand why, and then: oh, I’m in a wheelchair”: the story of Yuliia from Frankivsk

Yuliia is a young woman with a law degree who, according to her husband, has a sharp tongue and a great sense of humor. She loves reading with a cup of coffee, hanging out with friends, and taking evening walks with her dog. In this atmosphere, the couple is raising their 12-year-old daughter Sofia. She… Continue reading “Sometimes people look at me with surprise, and I don’t understand why, and then: oh, I’m in a wheelchair”: the story of Yuliia from Frankivsk

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Vulnerability Is Also a Strength: Ivanka Vintoniak About Living With SMA, Dreams, and the Freedom to Be Yourself

She knows how to smile even when it hurts and to dream when it would be easier to give up. Since childhood, Ivanka has been used to being “strong” — that’s what everyone around her said. But over the years, she realized that true strength lies not in armor, but in the ability to allow… Continue reading Vulnerability Is Also a Strength: Ivanka Vintoniak About Living With SMA, Dreams, and the Freedom to Be Yourself

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Uniting to make a difference: bringing together young people with disabilities in Ivano-Frankivsk

In Ivano-Frankivsk, the League of Strong, a public association, has launched training sessions for young people with disabilities from among residents and newcomers as part of the Empower Ukraine project. The main goal is to unite young Ukrainians and inspire them to take more active steps in their communities. Journalists from the local media “Reporter”… Continue reading Uniting to make a difference: bringing together young people with disabilities in Ivano-Frankivsk

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