{"id":13238,"date":"2025-08-05T09:23:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T09:23:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afew.org.ua\/?p=13238"},"modified":"2025-08-05T11:31:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T11:31:17","slug":"katyas-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afew.org.ua\/en\/katyas-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Katya’s Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

In small towns, teenagers face challenges every day that adults often aren\u2019t even aware of \u2014 especially those who have experience using drugs or live in vulnerable circumstances.<\/p>\n

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That\u2019s why AFEW-Ukraine<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and the \u201cReturn to Life\u201d Charitable Foundation<\/strong><\/a>, as part of the project \u201c<\/em>Emergency support of HIV and SRHR services for adolescents who use drugs in war and post-war times in Ukraine<\/span>\u201d<\/em><\/a>,<\/strong> work to ensure access to HIV-related services for adolescents who use drugs (PWUD), their partners, and close environment \u2014 not only in large cities, but also in smaller communities across Ukraine.<\/p>\n

But even in small towns, some are not afraid to take responsibility, help others, share knowledge, and lead by example. One of them is a 17-year-old project leader from Znamianka who already supports her peers, speaks openly about important topics, and helps change the space around her.<\/p>\n

In our conversation, she shared how she got involved, why she\u2019s passionate about psychology, and why being a leader isn\u2019t always easy \u2014 but always important.<\/p>\n

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\u2014 What\u2019s your name, how old are you, and where are you from?<\/strong>
I\u2019m 17. I used to live in a village near Znamianka. Then I moved here to study \u2014 my parents wanted me to attend Vocational Lyceum \u211612. In 2023, I moved in with my grandmother and have been living here since.<\/p>\n

\u2014 What are your interests or hobbies?<\/strong>
I love reading and singing \u2014 I\u2019ve been into that since early school. I\u2019m also really interested in psychology \u2014 it truly fascinates me. I also enjoy drawing a little, but I\u2019d most like to build my future in psychology. And I love photography \u2014 I guess that\u2019s a hobby too.<\/p>\n

\u2014 How do you define a leader among teenagers?<\/strong>
It\u2019s someone who uplifts others \u2014 helps them learn. Someone who can guide, explain, and support. They\u2019re close to the group members but also actively interact with the consultants.<\/p>\n

\u2014 How did you first learn about the activities at the lyceum and your first visit to \u201cReturn to Life\u201d?<\/strong>
A psychologist, Oksana (Oksana Rats), came to our lyceum and talked about the program. She led a few interactive sessions and explained what we\u2019d learn and what we\u2019d gain. I was interested, so my friends and I decided to go. The first time was a bit scary \u2014 new people, a new setting. But then I liked it and kept coming back.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Which activities do you enjoy the most?<\/strong>
I really enjoy the interactive sessions \u2014 they help us get to know each other better and reinforce our knowledge. I love the quests because they\u2019re fun and help us remember what we\u2019ve learned. Picnics and walks in the park are nice too, but I prefer the activities that involve teamwork and friendly competition.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Is there anything you haven\u2019t tried yet but would like to?<\/strong>
Honestly, I don\u2019t even know what else to add. Our consultants are so creative \u2014 they\u2019re always coming up with something new. For example, a doctor (Liliya Bak, the project\u2019s medical consultant) visited us, made facial masks, and used a special device to examine hair structure. There\u2019s always something new and exciting.<\/p>\n

\u2014 What are the challenges of being a leader?<\/strong>
Our group is very diverse \u2014 we have 14-year-olds and older teens. Sometimes people laugh at the topics we cover, some understand better than others. It was hard at first \u2014 all the attention was on me, and that felt awkward. But over time, I got used to it, especially when you realize: these are your people. Even the new ones quickly become part of the group.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Do you take part in outreach activities? For example, talking to teens on the street?<\/strong>
Yes, I do that too. I have business cards and questionnaires. People are usually open. Out of 15, maybe only one or two will say no. The rest take the materials and answer the questions \u2014 no problem at all.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Do teens often lack basic health knowledge?<\/strong>
Yes, and even adults don\u2019t always know how HIV is transmitted or where to go for testing. I\u2019ve approached people who are 18 or even over 20. It\u2019s surprising how little basic knowledge there is about HIV and contraception.<\/p>\n

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Stories like Katya\u2019s are inspiring. They show that change doesn\u2019t begin with slogans \u2014 it begins with empathy, honest conversations, and the willingness to stand by others. Leadership doesn\u2019t always mean loud speeches \u2014 sometimes it means simply being the person someone can turn to for support and guidance. And it\u2019s young people like Katya who are driving real change in their communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

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