In 2020, I was an activist in one of the most defiant neighborhoods of Minsk. When political persecution in the country escalated, my loved one was detained. I was summoned for interrogations, they kept me and my daughter under surveillance, terrifying her to the point of horror. After I left, they didn’t leave my mother alone either, they are still searching for me (although they know perfectly well where I am). My family members are in the hands of the regime, so I cannot reveal my real name.
At the end of 2021, several “sources” told me that my next visit to the investigating officer would end in detention. I had exactly one day to decide and leave. At that moment, my little girl didn’t have documents to leave the country, and I had to run alone. This was the hardest decision of my life!
Leaving my daughter with my parents, I was extracted to Ukraine. I lived only with the thought of bringing my little girl back to me as soon as possible, but I couldn’t manage to get her out. And suddenly the war started. There was no chance to reunite with my daughter in Ukraine, so I had to flee again.
In Poland, once I was out of danger, I started my own “battle” with documents, job hunting and housing, visa paperwork – all to bring my child back to me.
We spent an unbearable three years apart. We had never been separated for so long before. I can’t describe everything my little girl went through in that time! Her teacher humiliated her, frightened her and could hit her, and her classmates bullied her and mocked her, saying I had abandoned her. Without me and my protection, it all became torture for my child.
These unbearable trials have caused severe harm to my daughter’s mental health. Even though I am finally by her side and supporting her, we cannot do without work with a psychologist. The difficulty of adapting to a foreign country and language makes things even harder. She is afraid to even of kind and decent teachers, she trusts no one, and she cannot make friends with her classmates.
It took a lot of time to find a specialist who could help. The psychologist who has built trust with her really helps her. I can see the results, and it brings so much relief to my mother’s heart. I so want to give my little girl her childhood back.
I have decided to ask for help because I can no longer afford these sessions. €50 is a fair payment for a session with an expert whose work is truly effective. But it happened that while working in a grocery store, I injured my back. I had to switch to lighter work, but it pays much less. My current income barely covers rent and basic needs.
From the bottom of my mother’s heart, I am asking for your help!
This is an anonymous story. For security purposes, we have changed the hero's name.
Fundraising Goal
€750
About 15 sessions (each at €50) are needed for good progress.