Maya Klyuchova from the Novodonetsk community is a teacher, writer, and author; she has published three collections of poetry and contributed to numerous anthologies.
For nearly 21 years, Maya worked at a school in the Donetsk region, teaching the Ukrainian language, writing poetry, and publishing collections. In her work, she explores themes of love, human dignity, inner experiences, and pressing social issues, prompting readers to reflect on life’s values. Her works have repeatedly been recognized with awards and grand prizes in literary competitions.
When the poet had to leave her hometown of Novodonetsk due to the Russian offensive, books were among the first things she decided to save. She left her clothes, furniture, and household items behind, but took her entire library with her.
Maya’s story is told by the publication “Tribun.”
She was forced to leave the Donetsk region for good in 2024. Moving to Kryvyi Rih, losing her home, and the death of her father were a difficult ordeal for her.
A new school in Kryvyi Rih helped her get back on her feet. For Maya, the school environment has become the place where she truly feels at home. Despite the evacuation and difficult changes, her poetry and daily work help both her and her students carry on with their lives.
The students at the city lyceum were impressed by the arrival of a teacher with her own published books. Ms. Maya began showing the teenagers her printed books, sharing her experiences, and inviting them to join her in creative projects. Last year, she discovered a city-wide poetry contest and brought her students to the big stage, where they performed alongside adult authors. About 10 of her students tried their hand at literary competitions, and some of them even changed their plans for the future afterward and decided to apply to philology programs.
As a teacher, Maya strives to instill in her students not only knowledge but also a love for words and literature. She collaborates with libraries across Ukraine and maintains contact with contemporary writers and authors of children’s literature. Through her own writing, she aims to convey to readers the foundations of the Ukrainian identity and national consciousness, as well as to shed light on issues that are relevant in the country today.
Like all Ukrainians, Maya looks forward to victory so that she can share her works with an even wider audience.
The Ukrainian people are talented and indomitable!
Together toward Victory!