Children who have been orphaned by the war in eastern Ukraine

Hello, my name is Maxim I am 15 years old. I am an orphan. I live in Odessa and Im currently in the 9th grade. I have a younger sister.

When I was six years old my father died, so my sister and I were taken to the shelter because our mother was an alcoholic and a drug addict, who would periodically beat us. After a short while, we were taken to the orphanage.

When I was 13, Id heard that my mother had died, leaving my sister and me with no one. Today Im taking classes and Im trying to study well. Id like to eventually work in construction.

I know that after school, my life will change dramatically, therefore I understand how important it is to have good and faithful friends. I see many of these good and faithful people in the UAC program.

Ive had the chance to make a few friends from the program already. Even through adversity, Id consider myself a happy person. I aim to always be nice and friendly, and I pride myself on my loyalty.

Id never leave a friend in need. I also love to play sports, especially soccer. I dream of one day living a better life where I can provide for myself and to lead a fulfilling life.