Viachaslau Zhukau has become the new director of our foundation. In this interview, he talks about his path, the key priorities of this new chapter, and how the foundation plans to grow, support people, and refresh its visual identity and communications.
Even in school, I was already starting different projects and initiatives. Later I graduated from the Belarusian State Economic University with a degree in business administration. From 2014 onward, I worked in small business and event management, including charity events for UNICEF, UNHCR, and children's hospices.
During the COVID-19 pandemic I volunteered actively, and in 2020 I joined the campaign team of Viktor Babariko — a prominent Belarusian opposition presidential candidate — heading the petition signature collection department. When the campaign headquarters merged with others, I helped coordinate the advocacy campaign. After the disputed elections, I had to leave Belarus. Later in 2020, already in Lithuania, together with a founding team we established the Charitable foundation "A Country to Live in." It initially supported activists and volunteers, then shifted its focus toward helping political prisoners. So I have been with the foundation since its very beginning.
One of responsibility, respect, and optimism. We are continuing the path we began five years ago, while also looking at what can be done differently and how we can reach and help more people.
I understand this is not just a new role — it is a great act of trust from the team, our partners, and the people we serve.
The most important thing is that our support for people continues — consistently and effectively. We need to maintain the foundation's operational stability, support our team, and find new opportunities to help.
At the same time, we are planning some meaningful changes. The foundation has come a long way, and now it is time to refresh. In the near future we will be going through a rebranding process — an opportunity to tell our story in a new way and strengthen our connection with the people we work for. We want to be modern, open, and approachable, while continuing to ensure the safety of our beneficiaries and upholding humanitarian, human rights, and ethical standards.
First and foremost — our core values: humanism, respect for people, and equality. It is important to maintain the team spirit and develop the potential of every staff member.
Above all else — trust: from our beneficiaries, volunteers, and the people in our care, with whom we have worked side by side for many years. This is something we must not only preserve but actively strengthen through a personal connection with every individual. The foundation must remain close and reliable.
In expanding and improving our existing support programs, automating processes, and refining how we work. Building partnerships and coordination with other organisations is essential so our efforts are collective and effective. We are part of a coalition and support people from many directions. Our task is to deepen the expertise we have taken on and grow alongside our partners.
First of all — a sincere thank you for your dedication, time, energy, and the resources you pour into the foundation. That is where our strength lies: we help people no matter what.
The foundation's team is an enormous force. I deeply value what we do together and believe there is much important work still ahead. We are always glad to welcome new people who share our values, principles, and vision.
And of course, I want to say: we are continuing our work, and we are always there for those who need support.
Every donation helps support political prisoners and their families, giving them hope and the means to overcome challenges.
