Kira

The war has had a profound impact on Kira and her family – just as it has on millions of Ukrainians. She says the war taught her to value every moment and to let go of resentment: “Arguments and misunderstandings aren’t worth holding onto, because we never know what might happen tomorrow – or even tonight.” This, Kira says, is the biggest change in how she sees the world.

Kira lost her father, Serhii Oleksiiovych Mishchenko, who volunteered to defend Ukraine starting on March 1, 2022. He was a sincere, kind, and remarkably thoughtful person – a true patriot who loved reading history books. For his heroism, he became a full holder of the Order “For Courage” and was awarded the “Cross of Military Merit.” After his death, Serhii Mishchenko was honored with the title Hero of Ukraine and the Gold Star.

​​Kira recalls: “We had a very warm and trusting relationship. We could talk about anything in the world.”

Today, Kira is a third-year student at Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University and works alongside her studies. She enjoys reading dark fantasy books and continues to explore applied arts – creativity remains her way of expressing herself and finding inspiration.

“I don’t have any impressive achievements – I’ve simply reached the goals I set for myself,” Kira smiles.

Support from the Children of Heroes Charity Fund has been especially meaningful for her. She received not only material help but also psychological support, took part in webinars and courses, and even gained unique experience by participating in a TV show. “The Fund’s impact has been entirely positive,” she says.

In closing, Kira shares a message for other children who have faced loss: “Never give up, even when it feels like there’s nothing ahead. There are no hopeless situations.”