The foundation's journey over these 5 years has been challenging yet inspiring. It emerged as a response to the crisis: initially, we helped volunteers and activists, but by the end of 2020, it became clear that the number of political prisoners was growing, and we refocused on supporting their families. That was the first important milestone. Next came the creation of a support system: not one-time collections, but comprehensive assistance — material, legal, and psychological. Then — expanding beyond the humanitarian mission: we engaged in human rights advocacy, began representing political prisoners' interests on the international stage. Most importantly — we managed to maintain our principles while flexibly adapting to new challenges. These years became a period of forming a sustainable, principled organization.
We haven't maintained a network in the traditional sense. It's rather a system of trust and flexible, multi-level channels. Security is our top priority. Every step is verified, every act of assistance is organized so as not to cause harm. We maintain contact through trust, flexibility, and constant adaptation. What's important to families? First and foremost — the feeling that they haven't been abandoned. Also — confidence in the stability of assistance, the foundation's readiness to respond quickly, and understanding that their voice is heard on the international stage. We not only provide assistance but also conduct active human rights work — from advocacy to participation in international humanitarian structures.
It's impossible to single out one story. What inspires is not individual fates, but the collective strength of spirit of people who remain true to themselves even in the most inhumane conditions. For example, Natallia Hulina — a vegan who managed to maintain her convictions in prison. Or Mikalai Statkevich — a symbol of resilience and loyalty to his country. These stories are a daily source of motivation.
My favorite is the cultural exchange program for children of political prisoners. It's an opportunity to give children hope and a new perspective on life. A telling example: recently I was talking to a volunteer and couldn't remember where we'd met before. She reminded me that four years ago, at the project's start, I accompanied a group of children to an educational camp in Norway, and her daughter was with us. She shared that before the trip, her daughter was quite headstrong and not very motivated to study. But after this experience, completely different aspirations emerged — she began studying languages diligently and improving in her subjects. This proves that we're giving them not just a break, but a life-changing impulse.
The most successful campaign is the "Family Friend" program. Through it, we stably support over 60 families monthly, with total assistance approaching half a million euros. This program is the foundation of solidarity.
We're shifting from terminology to values. Instead of "donations" — "mutual aid," instead of "grants" — "solidarity." It's about human participation. Yes, security limits our publicity, but we're maximally transparent within what's possible. Our principle: security is more important than public reporting. The main thing — we don't stop. We develop a culture of support, launch adapted fundraising, engage the diaspora, and seek new ways to reach a tired audience.
We restore trust through actions. Consistently, year after year, we adhere to our principles. We don't promise more than we can deliver. Our main indicator is the trust of beneficiaries. They know we're reliable. We don't engage in public conflicts — we focus on assistance. Reputation is built not on social media posts, but on daily work and its results.
Indeed, our main donors today are Belarusians abroad, which is both a source of pride and our main challenge. We're proud that, being in emigration, we maintain focus on assistance inside Belarus, where our beneficiaries and most of our audience remain.
We're expanding our donor base, but not as quickly as we'd like. We face three main difficulties. First — audience focus shift: the peak of 2020-2021 has passed. Against the backdrop of ongoing repressions, war in Ukraine, and general fatigue, public focus has shifted. Second — resource deficit: lack of human resources creates a vicious cycle. All strength and time go into implementing current projects and working with target groups. We don't have enough resources to proactively seek support from Belarusian business, submit applications to European or other foreign foundations, and work quality with new audiences. And finally — donor security in Belarus: we have no safe way to call on Belarusians inside the country for financial support, which excludes a significant portion of potential donors.
Empathy is not an obligation. Everyone has the right to a pause. It's important to understand: empathy isn't always pain. It can nourish when it transitions into action. You don't have to read tragic news to help. Support isn't just money, it's also time, knowledge, and participation. The key is to find a form that fills rather than depletes.
It's constant tension and fatigue. Asking for help is emotionally difficult. People at the foundation work with others' pain daily, and secondary traumatization accumulates. We often have to hear refusal, witness devaluation. But at the same time — it's inspiring work. When you see someone you've helped start helping others — that gives strength.
There are. Often. The work is unstable, salaries aren't always there. But what holds us isn't comfort, but principles. This is our path, our identity. We stay not for recognition, but because we can't pass by. It's personal conviction, and it's stronger than burnout.
I've formulated and learned to follow my life principles. I've gained deeper understanding of human rights, equality, and humanism. A community of people who share these values has formed around me. This is experience that will stay with me forever.
Yes, but I'd call it not a school, but an entry point. Through charity, people learn solidarity, responsibility, and trust. We've gained experience in managing resources, crises, and communication — all of this will be needed in a free Belarus. The key thing — a culture of horizontal interaction is already established.
We continue helping vulnerable groups — primarily families of political prisoners. In parallel, we're strengthening transparency, developing children's programs, and seeking partnerships.
We're actively participating in developing the International Humanitarian Fund. I sincerely hope that over time it will become a key instrument for long-term, systemic support of those affected by repressions in Belarus, including restoration of their rights and compensation for damages. This is our contribution to creating a sustainable institutional foundation for the future.
We won't close, but will begin a new stage. We'll be able to work inside the country, expand our mission, increase effectiveness. We'll focus on restoring rights, compensation, and social rehabilitation. The foundation will become a national aid institution — sustainable and open.
Any significant change begins with one small but important step. I call on everyone to take it today.
Every donation helps support political prisoners and their families, giving them hope and the means to overcome challenges.
