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Olga Tikhomirova

I was born in Crimea and have a history and a cultural studies degree. Over my ten year period as a teacher, and then director, at Step Up I have managed to build a team of like-minded people and friends – not only colleagues but also our graduates, and volunteers who are not indifferent to the life of kids in correctional institutions. Now, together, we are doing something important and useful. The successes of our students and graduates are our main achievements.

I always take it badly when students give up on their studies and, unfortunately, this happens. It is always hard to admit that one of our students is contributing to Russia’s terrible orphan statistics.
But our students inspire and hearten me. Their thirst to achieve is always a delight to watch. Our community is something wonderful!