Oleksandr Liashenko is a student at Poltava Basic Medical College. He chose the speciality “medical care” because he had dreamed of being a doctor since childhood. But after the loss of his father, Taras Liashenko, who died on March 17, 2023, this choice became a personal vow.

The boy says he grew up very quickly: two years have changed him so much that it’s hard to recognise the same person in the “before” and “after” photos. As the eldest brother in the family, he takes responsibility and supports his mother and younger brother Dmytro.

He dreams of becoming an outstanding doctor, his father would be proud! He wants to remember not only the pain of loss, but also the continuation of the family and a good deed. The support of his family, friends and studies give him strength and endurance.

Oleksandr told his story during the “Peaceful Rest for Children of Ukraine” programme in Zakarpattia, organised by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.