Solutions from Ukraine: 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy uses AI to build website for candle workshop to support UAF and family home dream
Photo source: Suspilne Poltava
12-year-old Oleksii Shykarenko from Poltava, who has spastic cerebral palsy, opened the "Svitlyachok" candle workshop together with his mother. The boy independently created a website using artificial intelligence, develops his own business, and raises money for a house where he can freely go outside. He donates part of the funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and assist other children.
The boy's mother, Iryna Shykarenko, told Suspilne about this, as cited by Rubryka.
Photo source: Suspilne Poltava
What's the problem?
Children with disabilities and mobility challenges in Ukraine face compounding barriers to social integration and independence, worsened by ongoing infrastructure disruptions such as power outages and non-functional elevators in high-rise buildings.
What's the solution?
Oleksii initially proposed starting the candle workshop to earn his own money and buy a dog. With the guidance of his mother, Iryna Shykarenko, the duo developed the project from scratch. Oleksii created the workshop's name, set up social media accounts, and used AI tools to design and launch their online website.
Photo source: Suspilne Poltava
Iryna supported her son's initiative by purchasing wax and molds, while mastering candle-making techniques through online video tutorials.
"I wanted a dog, so we decided that we needed to earn money. We started making candles—aromatic, decorative, standard, and gift candles," Oleksii said.
Photo source: Suspilne Poltava
The family produces various candle designs, including floral, animal, geometric, and container-based styles. They established a clear division of duties to ensure safety and efficiency:
- Iryna melts the wax, prepares the wicks, and pours the hot liquid into molds.
- Oleksii weighs raw materials, handles product finishing details, photographs completed candles, and manages their online presence and social media channels.
"I melt the wax because hot water and gas are involved, making it unsafe for a child to handle directly. I also wax the wicks because that is physically difficult for him to do alone," Iryna explained.
The candle-making endeavor offers Oleksii an avenue for self-realization amid significant physical challenges. Due to a broken elevator in their nine-story apartment building, Oleksii has been unable to go outside for over two weeks.
"They are waiting for a replacement part. This is a very painful topic for us because the child cannot attend school or go for walks. Carrying him down manually is too difficult and unsafe on the stairs. During blackouts, we spent the entire winter without elevator access," Iryna added.
Photo source: Suspilne Poltava
Oleksii allocates his earnings toward a fund for a private house, which would allow him to step outside independently, while continuing to dream of adopting a large-breed dog. Despite his personal challenges, he actively supports Ukrainian service members by donating a portion of his income and assisting other children. Previously, he donated the funds he received for his birthday to pay for another child's surgery.
The Shykarenko family has been operating "Svitliachok" for approximately six months, producing dozens of handcrafted products for customers nationwide.
Background
