“I am asking for our soldiers,” says Marko, as he begins the morning gratitude circle at the Day Employment Center for young people with mental disorders. The center, managed by the Dream Workshop NGO, has been a cornerstone of Marko’s life since he joined in 2019. Over the years, it has become a place where he has gained new friends and learned valuable skills every day.
Marko is known for his independence and active lifestyle. He rides his bike to the Center daily, navigating Lviv’s streets with ease. In the warmer months, cycling becomes his favorite pastime, and he never compromises on safety — always wearing a helmet.
At the Center, Marko thrives in an environment where he feels free and empowered. He is well-acquainted with the Center’s rules and daily routines, often reminding others of them. He is also thoughtful and considerate, frequently bringing flowers from his garden to celebrate his friends’ birthdays.
One of Marko’s favorite activities is working in the kitchen. Assistant Olya recalls:
“When I first joined the Dream Workshop NGO, Marko showed me how to use the slow cooker. He knows how to combine spices—he’ll tell you that turmeric goes perfectly with rice and that herbal tea can be mixed with black tea. He didn’t have this knowledge before, and it’s incredible to see how much he’s learned here.”
Throughout the day, the Center’s students explore various activities, and Marko has become skilled in creating felt products. He has mastered the art of dry felting and even creates unique paintings. His goal is to pass on his skills to others: “I want to give master classes to children. I want to teach them what I’ve learned.”
The students regularly showcase their creations at fairs, where sales help support the Workshop’s activities. Marko dreams of earning enough money from his paintings to take his family on a trip to the Carpathians and improve the Center’s facilities.
“It would be great to have two washbasins, a new shower, and for everything to work properly. Maybe even hang a mirror on the wall,” he shares.
In addition to art, Marko is passionate about sports. He attends the gym regularly and enthusiastically shares his favorite exercises. He has also explored playing musical instruments at the Center, from the bandura to drums. While music notation can be challenging for him, Marko has a keen ear and loves to sing.
Marko’s patriotism stands out among his many qualities. The students at the Center start their day with a morning circle where they share their feelings, dreams, and gratitude. For Marko, his gratitude always begins with Ukrainian defenders: “I thank the volunteers and medics who save our soldiers and ask for the war to end so that our defenders can return to their families and children.”
The Center’s staff note that not a day goes by without Marko expressing his appreciation for Ukrainian soldiers. His felt creations often include yellow and blue hearts, symbolizing his gratitude to the defenders of Ukraine.
The Dream Workshop NGO has been active in Lviv for over nine years. Through the project Uniting and Helping in Time of War, the organization supports 11 individuals as part of its Day Employment Center program in Lviv Oblast. This initiative is made possible by a grant from the NGO League of the Strong.
The views expressed in this material are those of the Dream Workshop NGO and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of financial partners.