The Story of Nazar from Kryvyi Rih. The Boy Who Saw the World Brighter

Nazar from Kryvyi Rih is nine years old. Since birth, his life has been a struggle — he went through a complex heart surgery, long periods of treatment, and recovery. Despite all this, the boy has kept the most important thing — his ability to smile and trust the world.

When the Responsible Citizens team met him for the first time, Nazar barely spoke and could only see blurred shapes. It seemed that the world existed somewhere nearby but had not yet fully opened to him. Yet, his gaze was filled with life.

Specialists from our mobile team, working within the UNICEF project, developed an individual support plan for Nazar. A psychologist, speech therapist, social worker, and art therapist joined the effort. Each helped in their own way: some helped him find calm and confidence, others — to feel the strength of his own voice, and others — to express emotions through drawing.

But the main goal was to help Nazar regain his sight. The team accompanied his family through the medical examination process, helped them find the right specialists, arranged an ophthalmologist consultation, and purchased glasses.

Then came the day that everyone will remember. Nazar carefully put on his glasses, stopped… and opened his eyes wide. For the first time, he clearly saw the faces of the people who had been by his side all this time. He walked closer and hugged each one tightly.

That day, he saw colors he had never noticed before — and the world suddenly became bigger, brighter, and warmer.

Today Nazar draws, plays, and laughs. His eyes shine with joy, and every day for him is a new discovery. Nazar’s story is one of dignity, strength, and love — the kind of love you can see even where darkness once prevailed.