Anzhelika K, Grade 10, Kyiv

My name is Anjeli K., I'm a grade 10 student studying at Pechersk School International Kyiv.  My education has been interrupted by the full-scale invasion. So many peoples opinions and perceptions on things had changed including lives, mindsets, physical appearance ( which had changed because of the amount of stress all of us are facing ), state of occupation as well as their mental state and mental strength. The war affects a lot of people's lives, people have lost their loved ones. The war has impacted everyone mentally especially the soldiers who are fighting for our independence at the moment. I feel like it is very important to convey our gratitude for them. A lot of families have been helping out the army a lot since the full scale invasion began, such as providing food, donations, uniforms and certain ammunition. Everybody is trying to help with whatever they can give. There are a lot of wounded soldiers who have lost their houses, certain parts of their body have been harmed or their lives have been completely taken. Subsequently I decided to do something good for the community to show gratitude to our defenders for keeping us safe and sacrificing their lives for us, considering the fact that most of them are losing everything they have for our country and freedom. Since I cannot earn my own money I've decided to come up with something different such as art because it's my passion. Therefore I have decided to focus my project on making some artistic products that can be delivered to soldiers in hospitals in order for them to not give up and feel appreciated and raise their motivation and overall spirit. My paintings had been sold in an auction at school selling for more than 20,000 UAH for overall 4 paintings, this money went to visually impaired kids, the military, and a surgery for a young boy.  This idea was very important for me to complete since the guilt I have on myself for not doing something to help the soldiers personally has been eating me up since the full scale invasion has begun. Thereafter I needed to do something for the soldiers even if it meant just they would see it because it's not about how many people know about it, it's about the meaning and how important it is to me and them. I want to thank them for protecting us because after all they are the reason that we are here. The reason I did this project was that some of my guilt goes away and I help someone in need the same way they help us.