The courage and perseverance of four youngsters who were forced to flee war-torn Ukraine and make a new life in Reading was rewarded when they won the Christ Tarrant award.
Guests heard how Dmytro Verekh, Oleksandra Shevchuk, Saniie Osmanova and Olena Chyzhevska had worked hard to adapt to a new country, culture and language in Reading.
Chris, who chooses the winners each year, also told of the refugees he had taken in after being horrified by the war in the Ukraine.
The youngsters have been students at the Reading Ukrainian School, Lastivka. Dmytro (Dima) Verekh, aged 10, endured a terrifying journey across Ukraine in fear of missile attacks. He had to say goodbye to his father, who remained in Ukraine. Now he speaks English, excels in Maths and enjoys football, swimming, Scouts and Ukrainian folk dance.
Oleksandra Shevchuk, also 10, adapted to change with determination and maturity beyond her years.
Oleksandra settled at The Hill Primary School, where she enjoys history and mentoring her school buddy. She took part in the school talent show, is a member of the choir, studies Japanese and is a Brownie and a big football fan. She joined Caversham AFC Swans, became team captain and helped her team win a tournament, saving penalties as goalkeeper.
She was named Best Player of the Year. She also helped collect and deliver over 1,000 English books for Ukrainian schoolchildren.
Saniie said: “I feel a bit famous, it feels unbelievable.
Dmytro concurred: “It’s like being in a dream.”
Oleksandra said: “I feel proud–like belonging, being welcome in a family group.”
Saniie Osmanova, aged 11 went to Beechwood Primary in Woodley and started
secondary school this autumn where she goes to Rocksteady Music School and sportschool dance.
Olena Chyzhevska, aged 15, who arrived in the UK with “only a few belongings and an ocean of fears,” has found a home and a passion for acting.
Olena won one of the lead roles in the Lastivka School traditional Ukrainian Christmas Nativity play and is now a volunteer teaching assistant.
Now at King’s Academy Prospect, she is proud of how far she has come in English and French. Performing with classmates at Reading Rep Theatre she wants to pursue it as a career.
