Music that opens the world: the story of Mykhailo Tkachuk

Mykhailo from the Mamayev community is a young musician. The boy has been receiving treatment for vision impairment since childhood, but this has not prevented him from devoting time to his hobbies and developing his interests.

The parents decided to send their son to the local Volodymyr Ivasyuk music school, and this choice became decisive. It was there that Mykhailo first felt that music could become a part of his life. "I went to music school at the age of 6. There I studied accordion and graduated very well. At every holiday at the music school, I played a new piece. I was very nervous, but I always wanted to please my family and guests with my performance."

Mykhailo says that it is music that helps him stay in touch with the world and people: "I enjoy feeling kind glances and happy faces. Through music, I become closer to the world."

After school, he entered university to get an education, but he does not leave music: "Now I have graduated from school and entered a higher educational institution to get an education, but I do not leave music and play, as before."

Mykhailo expresses gratitude to everyone who supports him in his studies, especially his mother: "I thank everyone who helps me study and gain knowledge, but I am most grateful to my mother, who saw with me the path I am taking in life."

The young man is convinced that seeing is not only about eyesight, but also about the way of perceiving the world: "I know one thing that the world can be seen not only with the eyes, but also with the heart."

As part of the project “Multi-sectoral Disability-Informed Humanitarian Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons, Returnees, Veterans and Host Communities in Ukraine”, which is implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine in partnership with the European Disability Forum (EDF) with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany (GFFO) and CBM (Christian Mission for the Blind), Mykhailo received financial assistance to purchase the necessary medicines. This allows him to maintain his health and continue his studies and creativity. People with various types of disabilities are famous composers, musicians, actors, choreographers, dancers, and artists. Disability is not an obstacle to art. Art is not only about sight and hearing, but also about feelings, emotions, and experiences. It belongs to everyone!

Oleksandra Perkova, communications manager