Not (only) with the eyes: Sviatoslav

Sviatoslav Dyakon is 7 years old. This year, he is starting Year 1 – at a mainstream school, alongside sighted children, rather than at a specialised school for the blind.

This is a very important step for Sviatoslav and his family. He is incredibly inquisitive, intelligent and open to everything new. He is interested in absolutely everything, eagerly takes on any task, loves exploring the world, socialising and trying his hand at various activities.

Despite his young age, Sviatoslav already has some special creative experience – he took part in the recording of two audiobooks, voicing the main character, the raccoon Morzyk. He is a lively, attentive and very bright boy with plenty of learning, discoveries and new friends ahead of him.

This year marks the start of a new chapter for Sviatoslav – school. For a blind child, this isn’t just about lessons, textbooks and the first bell. It’s also about developing daily practical skills that help him feel more confident amongst his classmates, find his way around, use his belongings, organise his study space and gradually become more independent.

To ensure that attending a mainstream school is a comfortable and safe experience for Sviatoslav, it is important for him to master some simple but essential skills in advance: how to use school supplies and personal belongings; how to organise his space; how to interact with other children; and how to handle everyday situations without fear or confusion.

his is precisely why the educational and rehabilitation camp for blind children exists – a week of practical learning away from home and school. Here, the children learn to do the things they will need to do every day: use everyday objects, navigate familiar and new routes, communicate, ask for help, act independently and feel more confident in their own abilities.

The camp is organised by the Lviv regional branch of the All-Ukrainian Organisation ‘Ukrainian Union of the Disabled – USI’.

For many years, this has been the only programme of its kind in Ukraine where blind children can practise daily living and social skills in a safe environment alongside specialists.

The camp takes place in Zakarpattia, in the village of Bene. The venue is fully adapted to the needs of blind children, with no rush or external pressure. This allows the children to focus on learning, relaxing and gradually consolidating their new skills.

Each child attends the camp accompanied by their mum or dad. Parents also receive training, as family support is a vital part of a blind child’s development. It is at home that the child continues to practise the skills that help them become more independent.

One camp session lasts 7 days and involves 8 children, 8 parents and a team of specialists who work on a voluntary basis.

The cost of one stay is 166,000 UAH. All funds go towards accommodation, meals, transport, materials and rehabilitation activities.

For Sviatoslav, taking part in this camp is an opportunity to prepare better for school, learn practical skills alongside other children, gain confidence and take his first steps towards greater independence.

This fundraising campaign aims to support Sviatoslav during this important new stage in his life. So that his first year at school begins not with a fear of the unknown, but with the feeling: ‘I can do this, I know how, and I’ll succeed.’