BORODIANKA , July 25 — Music teacher Oksana Shevchenko sits near a small pile of twisted metal and cement, the only break in a flat expanse of desolate, empty terrain.
According to town hall officials, 12 apartment blocks were levelled and 24 damaged. More than 400 houses were hit. “It also adds up to the stress when you lose your favourite profession and children lose their favourite activities. It creates a sense of oppression.” The music school has benefited from donations from NGOs and people helping from home and abroad. A metal band recently donated musical instruments including a keyboard, drums and a guitar.
“Before, I used to think whether I should go abroad to work or to study. Now I’m sure that I want to secure my future and get my education here in Ukraine. I want to live here,” she says.Guitar teacher Tetyana Kryvosheyenko is also back giving lessons. Lip trembling as she holds back tears, she recounts her escape from Borodianka.