Bohdan, 11, tells about his life in Russia-devastated Izyum
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Bohdan, an 11-year-old resident of Izyum in Kharkiv Oblast, bears witness to the near-complete devastation of his city and the family home over the past two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion. UNICEF Ukraine told Bohdan’s story on Feb. 19.
The boy lives with his grandmother and sister. Winter poses considerable challenges for Bohdan's family as they carefully budget for firewood to keep warm. With his school closed and friends having left the city, Bohdan's life is no longer as it was.
"My life changed a lot when the war started,” said Bohdan.
“I don't go to school anymore. I don't go where there could be mines. I don't go for long walks with friends and I don't go swimming in the river in the summer. I also started to listen to my grandmother more and help her more."
Online education is Bohdan's new norm, and his limited leisure revolves around their modest two-room house and yard. The family now huddles in the kitchen for warmth.
"It's hard for me to study from my phone. It runs out of battery and it's hard to hear the teacher,” Bohdan said.
“My eyes get tired and my vision gets worse."
Bohdan is grateful for the support he now receives. A year ago he could not study, the boy did not have a device to use for online learning. Caring Ukrainians rallied funds for warm clothes, firewood, and a phone.
Attempting to make up for the lost year of study, Bohdan dedicates most of his time to mathematics. Post-lessons, he assists his grandmother in lighting the stove — a task that has become his sole source of "entertainment."
"I like to play football the most, but now there is nowhere to play,” he said.
“I also like to help. I help my grandmother around the house — I sweep, chop wood, stack it, bring it to the stove."
Since the boy's grandmother, Natalya Volodymyrivna, spends her pension on fuel and everyday needs, winter clothing is a luxury they can't afford. UNICEF stepped in, providing Bohdan and his sister with new warm clothes.
Bohdan's only friend is a neighbor named Rostyslav, with whom he periodically spends time. They help each other with money and food.
"Before the war, Izyum was intact,” Bohdan said.
“People were happy and kind, but now everything is broken and no one is around. Many friends have left."
Bohdan harbors dreams of becoming a rescuer, aspiring to help others in putting out fires and know areas where one “can't go."
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