Svitlana Kasyanova – participant in the 2025 regional competition “Woman of Donetsk Region,” nominated in the category “Creator of Change and Opportunities”
In the life of every educational institution, there are people whose activities become a symbol of resilience, support, and new opportunities for children and adults. There are people who change the environment around them — quietly but confidently, with their hearts and sincerity. For the Grodivska Secondary School I-III, such a person is teacher and practical psychologist Svitlana Vyacheslavivna Kasyanova.
This person gives children the warmth of her heart, instilling in them the most valuable thing — a love of knowledge and life. She has devoted 35 years of her life to education, and during this time has become a true mentor to many generations of students. Her first profession, as a vocational teacher, allowed her to see how children's hands can create beauty out of nothing. Her second profession, as a psychologist, gave her the tools to heal invisible wounds of the soul.
Svitlana came to Donetsk Oblast in 1987, when her family moved to Ukraine after the Chernobyl disaster. She brought with her not only memories of her abandoned home, but also a deep understanding that life can change in an instant.
The full-scale war forced the Grodiv community to undergo forced evacuation. Svitlana once again experienced what she had gone through in her youth: forced relocation, uncertainty, pain. For many, this was a difficult ordeal, but it was this experience that tempered Svitlana Vyacheslavivna and made her even stronger. She understood that her experience and knowledge were her weapons in this war. In the absence of the usual school infrastructure, she did not stop her activities but, on the contrary, expanded them.
Her colleagues note her tolerance, sociability, and creativity, while parents and children note her sincere support. Students say that with Svitlana Vyacheslavivna, it is “easier to breathe.” In 2024, she received a certificate from the Department of Education, Culture, Youth, Tourism, and Sports of the Hrodivska Village Council for her conscientious work and professionalism.
Svitlana Kasianova is an example of how, even in the most difficult conditions, it is possible to bring about change, open up new opportunities for children, and give them self-confidence. Her story is one of strength, humanity, and love for her work, which is truly inspiring.
The detailed story of the contest participant can be found at: https://surl.lt/burrar
#Woman of Donetsk Region 2025