Oleksandra Shevchuk

Young Oleksandra Shevchuk, forced to flee her home in war-torn Ukraine, faced the challenge of adapting to a new country, culture, and language “with determination and maturity beyond her years.

Her nominator put her forward for the Child of Courage award, sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate, on behalf of her father who “is proud of his 10-year-old daughter and how far she’s come since arriving in the UK.”

In February 2022, Oleksandra had to leave her home in Bucha, Ukraine, when the town was occupied during the early stages of the full-scale war. She hasn’t been back since.

Her nominator said: “Arriving in the UK with her family, she faced the challenge of adapting to a new country, culture, and language — and did so with determination and maturity beyond her years.

“After changing schools twice, Oleksandra settled at The Hill Primary School, where she enjoys history and mentoring her school buddy.

“She took part in the school talent show and is also a member of the school choir, which recently reached the Let’s Sing 2024 Grand Final at the Hexagon, winning a prize from the Mayor of Reading in the junior and soloist categories.”

Outside school, she studies Japanese independently and joined Brownies to meet new friends,|” they added.

A big football fan, she joined Caversham AFC Swans, became team captain, and helped her team win a tournament in Marlow, saving penalties as goalkeeper. She was named Best Player of the Year.

At Reading Ukrainian School Lastivka, where she goes on Saturdays, she helps her younger sister with Ukrainian and enjoys taking part in community events.

She also helped collect and deliver over 1,000 English books to support children in Ukrainian schools, added the nominator.