Little heroes, big smiles

Maruf Mamirjanov, 14 years old

“At first, the doctors couldn’t find out why I was feeling ill. Later, they concluded it was caused by stress – something might have frightened me or made me anxious. Once I was close to being involved in a car accident, which really left an impact on my mental state,” described Maruf.

“At first, I didn’t want to attend the School, but after I visited it with my mother, I started coming every day. The facilities are excellent, and the teachers are very engaged. I’m a 3-time national champion of kickboxing. One day, the world-famous boxer Bahodir Jalolov visited the School, and meeting him was a really inspiring experience. I think if teachers in regular schools were as involved as teachers here, I would go there much more willingly.”

Dilnura Bakirova, 12 years old

“I’m staying here at the Mehrli Maktab School because I’m undergoing the third stage of chemotherapy. I’ve undergone 2 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery. I’m passionate about music and love playing the piano, and I’m also very fond of learning English and math,” explains Dilnura.

“My next treatment began just yesterday, and this tends to lower my mood. I enjoy socializing, visiting zoos and travelling. My dream is to become a flight attendant, which is why I’m also strongly interested in sports.”

Javlon Jamshidov, 12 years old

Javlon’s mother shares, “Since Javlonbek started attending the School, there have been noticeable improvements in his mood and health. Before, when his white blood cell count had dropped significantly, the illness left him in a depressed state. He used to be irritable, constantly asking to return to the village and getting upset. But after the School opened, he started learning from his teachers, and he became much more engaged.”

Javlon adds, “Right now, I’m using computers provided by the Mehrli Maktab School to take online IT courses. So far, we’ve learned how to create websites. There are regular exams as part of the programme. If I do well in the exam, I’ll be accepted into the IT field.”

Imron Abdukarimov, 5 years old

Dilnoza, Imron’s mother, says, “I’d heard chemotherapy could harm the brain, but since he joined the School, his mind is sharper – a credit to the dedicated staff. We keep his test results in a file topped by a photo of him taken before his illness; he had thick hair, lashes and eyebrows. Recently, he pointed at that photo and said, ‘I miss this Imron.’”

She continues, “During chemo, his appetite drops, but when we ask what he wants to eat, he requests the dishes we once cooked for big family gatherings. He longs for those times. This illness is a profound test for parents, making you treasure life’s peace. I now cherish those moments every single day. Seeing others in tougher situations humbles me and reminds me to stay deeply grateful.”

Samira Idrisova, 17 years old

“I never dwelt on my diagnosis. Many people search the internet, get sad and stop enjoying life. My mom just told me I have ALL [the acronym for acute lymphocytic leukaemia] – enough for me,” says Samira.

“Drawing takes me to another world; it helps me to relax. I’m currently drawing water lilies, my favourite flowers. They symbolize sincerity, health and good luck. When I was invited to the Mehrli Maktab School, I was hospitalized and couldn’t attend lessons. Once doctors allowed it, walking into School felt like leaving a grim place for a bright new world. The best part is how teachers treat us – not strictly, but like friends. The School feels like a second family to me.”

Samira adds, “To the children at the Center for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, I want to say: Don’t give up! You’ll overcome everything!”