Creativity saves: Daria meets her mentor

Ten-year-old Daria from Kharkiv Oblast adores drawing. For her, art is a way to express feelings and find balance. In one of our video, she shared her biggest dream—to meet her mentor, the artist Lana Ra.

And that dream came true.

Daria and her mother receive support from the mobile brigade of the NGO “Responsible Citizens,” operating in the Barvinkivska community with UNICEF’s support. A psychologist, social worker, and art therapist help children who have experienced stress discover new development opportunities and realize their talents.

“We met Lana Ra last year when organizing online classes for children in communities without access to creative clubs. She immediately responded and started offering free lessons. That’s when we saw Daria’s drawings—they were extraordinary. Lana Ra wanted to support the girl, giving her books and paints, and later inviting her to her workshops,” says social worker Marina Shiyka.

Psychologist Alina Chaychenko adds:
“Creativity is a powerful resource for recovery. Daria is a vivid example of how art can provide strength and motivation. We’re thrilled we could help her find a mentor and fulfill her dream. Daria was eagerly awaiting this meeting. She prepared, drawing a portrait of her mentor. When they finally met, it was a moment of pure joy. It’s crucial for a child not only to have a dream but also to receive support on the path to realizing it.”

The meeting took place at Havrylivskyi Lyceum. Lana Ra spoke with the students, conducted a creative workshop, and gave gifts. “I see how children change when you give them faith in their abilities. Daria is incredibly talented, and I’m happy to be by her side on her creative journey,” the artist says.

This story also marked the beginning of a larger initiative. Together with Lana Ra, the mobile brigade organized a series of meetings for children, helping each one discover the world of art, find inspiration, and receive support.

Dreams should come true. And we help make that happen.