On March 12, an online meeting dedicated to Ukrainian Volunteer Day was held as part of the "Hear the Hero" project for students from various communities in the Donetsk region. This time, the event was special because, for the first time, the main heroine of the meeting was a female volunteer.
The meeting was attended by Lilia Zolkina, head of the regional administration's department for family, youth, and mass events of national-patriotic education; Inna Starostina, deputy head of the regional administration's department for veteran policy; Olga Sidorova, deputy head of the Novogrodivka Military Administration; educators, and about 460 students from various communities in Donetsk Oblast.
The event was organized by the Novogrodivka City Military Administration in conjunction with the Department of Family, Youth, and Mass Events of National Patriotic Education of the Donetsk Regional State Administration and the Center for Unity and National Resistance Platform.
The main guest was Olga Voin, a veteran, volunteer, activist, and mother who continues to keep the rear in order today. Her story is one of strength, pain, and dignity. Olga's husband, Viktor Smarigin, died for Ukraine on March 15, 2022. Despite her loss, Olga continues to actively support the military and the families of fallen defenders, and has joined the Council of Families of the Fallen at the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. Every piece of advice and word of support she offers there comes from personal experience, pain, and great inner strength.
For a long time, they tried to impose the stereotype that war is "not a woman's business." But look around: our defenders—air reconnaissance officers, assault troops, medics, snipers—are now defending the skies over Ukraine side by side with men," said Olga Sidorova, the project's ideologist.
During the meeting, the students had the opportunity to talk with the guest in a live dialogue format. The students actively asked questions about her path to service, what motivated her to become a volunteer, the most difficult moments, and what helps her find the strength to move forward. Olga shared her thoughts, life lessons, and beliefs that were shaped by her own experience.
"Only forward! Never lose heart! Believe in a better future and never say to yourself, 'I can't do it' or 'I won't succeed.' You can do anything! Nothing is impossible! There is a way out of any situation," Olga inspired the young people.
In total, since the launch of the "Hear the Hero" project, almost 2,500 students from different communities in Donetsk Oblast have already participated in such meetings.
The "Hear the Hero" project continues to be an important space for lively dialogue between young people and those who defend Ukraine — both on the front lines and behind the scenes. It is through personal stories that a deeper understanding of events is born and respect and gratitude for those who defend our country is formed.
Based on materials from the Novogrodivka City Military Administration