From Poltava: How 12-Year-Old Oleksiy Overcame Cerebral Palsy to Launch a Candle Workshop and Build a Website

The Journey of Oleksiy Shikarenko

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Oleksiy Shikarenko, a 12-year-old boy from Poltava living with spastic cerebral palsy, has teamed up with his mother, Iryna, to establish a candle-making workshop called 'Svitlyachok.' Using artificial intelligence, Oleksiy independently created a website to promote their business. His goal is to save enough money to buy a home that will improve his mobility. Beyond his entrepreneurial efforts, Oleksiy actively supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine and strives to assist other children in need.

Inside the 'Svitlyachok' Workshop

Operating for about six months, the 'Svitlyachok' workshop produces candles in a variety of unique shapes:

• flowers
• animals
• geometric shapes
• candles in glass containers

Iryna handles the melting of wax, wick preparation, and pouring the molds, while Oleksiy measures materials, refines product details, photographs the finished candles, and manages social media accounts.

Oleksiy shares, "I wanted a dog, but we decided we needed to earn money first. So, we started making candles-aromatic, decorative, simple, and gift ones." Unfortunately, due to a broken elevator in their nine-story apartment building, Oleksiy has been unable to leave the house for over two weeks. His mother explains:

"We're waiting for a replacement part. This is a very painful issue for us because Oleksiy can't attend school or go outside. I can no longer carry him myself-it's difficult and scary to carry him down the stairs. When the power goes out, it's even worse; we spent the entire winter without a working elevator."

Oleksiy is saving his earnings to eventually purchase a home, while also donating part of his income to support Ukraine's Armed Forces and to help other children. For example, he gave his birthday gifts to a girl who needed funds for treatment and surgery. Iryna highlights, "He donates to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His biggest dream is to have a large dog and, of course, to come down from the ninth floor. Oleksiy also wants to keep earning, saving money, and helping his father collect funds for this huge family dream."

Oleksiy and his mother's story is a powerful testament to resilience and entrepreneurial spirit amid the challenges many Ukrainians face today. While Oleksiy works to overcome his physical limitations, his determination to support others reflects deep moral values and a strong desire to contribute positively to his community. Their experience also emphasizes the critical need for accessible infrastructure, as a malfunctioning elevator dramatically impacts the daily lives of children like Oleksiy with disabilities.