The situation in the world is complicated: the USA is cutting aid to other countries, Europe is focusing on security issues, and we are left alone with our problems and needs. And those needs haven't gone away. Belarusians still need help with legal matters, support for their children's education, and the preservation of their language and culture in exile.
Emigration is a difficult journey. Parents try to find safety and a future for their children, but at the same time they fear losing contact with Belarus. The children didn't choose to live outside their country – they were forced to.
The Belarusian Solidarity Centre is the organization that helps Belarusians not to get lost in a new reality every day.
Legal aid:
We have only five lawyers, but they help hundreds of Belarusians every day, providing over 1,000 consultations a month. They accompany court cases, help with document processing and work with the authorities.
Real change at the national level:
Thanks to the tireless work of Olga Dobrovolskaya, head of the legal department at the Belarusian Solidarity Centre, Belarusians in Poland have achieved what once seemed impossible:
Humanitarian residence permits for those who cannot return home.
Polish travel documents for all Belarusians with residence permits, free of charge.
Her achievements have been recognized not only by Belarusians, but also by the Polish legal community. In 2022, she was awarded 2nd place in the prestigious “Rising Stars Prawnicy – Leaders of Tomorrow 2022” competition for her work in the public interest and law enforcement.
Belarusian education in exile:
Our supplementary school is the largest FREE Belarusian education platform for children in Poland.
Over the past 4 years, more than 1,500 children have gone through it. We don't just teach – we help children preserve the Belarusian language and culture, even when a return home is impossible. We also help them prepare for their school exams and provide a wide range of other developmental activities. We now have some groups for children with autism spectrum disorders.
When the full-scale war in Ukraine began, our school didn't stand aside – we took in hundreds of Ukrainian children. We set up a care center that worked every day from morning to evening for six months to help the children cope with this difficult time.
Today we have many mixed groups where Belarusian and Ukrainian children learn together.
This is very important. We show the children solidarity by example. They learn together. They grow together. They see that support and understanding are the key.
Belarusian culture must live on:
We support Belarusian publishers in Poland, organize stands for them at international book fairs, and help authors present their books and find readers.
BUT NOW EVERYTHING IS THREATENED.
If we don't find sources of funding, we will have to reduce our activities.
Fewer lawyers – fewer opportunities to defend Belarusians in court and provide legal aid.
Fewer teachers – less support and opportunities for children.
Fewer resources – less help for those in need.
It's not just about money. It's about preserving what we've worked so hard to build.
That's why we're asking for your help.
If we truly believe in the value of solidarity, we must demonstrate it through our actions.
If we don't help ourselves, no one else will.
How much is needed?
€20.000
€10.000 – teachers' salaries. This amount will cover the work of our teachers for several months. Many teachers at the Belarusian Solidarity Centre use their own money to buy materials for creative activities and food for the children.
€10.000 – Salaries of lawyers. This amount will help to cover the salaries of our legal advisers, who deal with at least 50 applications a day, as well as writing complaints, appeals and representing the interests of Belarusians before administrative bodies.
The funds raised through BYSOL will help our team get through this period of crisis. We are actively working on a survival plan and negotiating with potential donors, but for now we are asking you to help us continue to help others.