January 28, 2021
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The first meeting with the mentee took place at a summer camp for children from boarding schools in the Poltava region. As it turned out, at that time Zhenya was a graduate of a special boarding school for children who needed correction of intellectual development.
Zhenya was different from the other children. When Anatoliy learned Zhenya’s story, he became convinced that he had ended up in the special school by accident. His mother led a chaotic lifestyle, not caring about her son's development, and due to the negligence of social workers, Zhenya ended up in this school. He was diagnosed with «Delayed mental development.».
Anatoliy took up this issue and reached the regional commission, which removed this diagnosis from Zhenya.
Later, with the help of his mentor, Zhenya enrolled in the Poltava Polytechnic Lyceum and graduated from it. Throughout all these years, they maintained their relationship and stayed in constant contact.
Anatoliy took Zhenya to Kyiv for holidays and school breaks, where they actively spent time together: visiting museums, exhibitions, amusement rides, and meeting the mentor’s friends. Zhenya became more independent and adapted to life in society, although previously he had been a shy and insecure boy.
After graduating from the lyceum, the mentor succeeded in securing housing for Zhenya in the very center of the city where he lived. The next stage in their relationship was Anatoliy helping his mentee enroll in a higher education institution (institute) in Poland.
Weak preparation in Ukraine (due to the school curriculum) did not allow him to enroll in the first year. The following year, Zhenya independently chose another educational institution in Poland, obtained a visa on his own, and returned to study in that country.
Currently, he studies and works in Warsaw. He independently supports himself financially, covering both his living expenses and education. Anatoliy continues to stay in touch with him.
