Ilya was under political persecution in Belarus for many years as an activist of the “Young Front.” The pressure intensified in 2020, forcing him to leave for Poland. For years, he earned his living as a breakdance instructor, but a serious knee injury earlier this year left him without any income.
Hello, my name is Ilya, and I am originally from Salihorsk.
For more than 20 years, my life and work have been connected to breakdancing. I am a certified breakdance instructor – and my legs literally fed me.
I discovered breaking when I was about 14–15 years old, joining a group of guys who were already training in my hometown. Soon after, I became involved in civic and activist work. I was a member of the “Young Front” and took part in street actions and civic initiatives starting in 2008. Because of this, I was repeatedly detained and charged with administrative offenses.
As a Young Front activist, I remained under pressure from security services for many years and was constantly “on their radar.” During the events of 2020, the authorities attempted to coerce me into cooperation, threatening imprisonment for my previous activist activities. I decided not to test how serious they were and left for Poland.
It took time, but I returned to training – although I never initially saw it as a stable source of income. Over time, it turned out that I was well-suited to teaching. Breakers in Poznań increasingly invited me to substitute as a coach or teach at breakdance camps. I know how to connect with students, explain things clearly, and help them enjoy the training process so it doesn’t become routine. In the near future, I plan to open my own school.
On January 6, 2026, everything changed. That day, I suffered a serious injury: a torn meniscus with knee joint blockage in my right leg, as well as partial tears of the cruciate ligaments. The injury required immediate surgery, so I had to urgently borrow money and undergo the operation.
My refugee status allows me access to Poland’s public health insurance (NFZ). However, waiting times for this type of surgery can range from 16 months to several years. In my case, that was critical: without proper support on my leg, I cannot work, teach classes, or sometimes even move normally. I was effectively left completely unable to work for a prolonged period.
To reduce costs, I chose a simpler surgical option – partial meniscus removal rather than repair. Until recently, I worked with Polish cultural initiatives and street dance foundations under informal arrangements – this was my main source of income. While I recover, I have no income. I cannot pay rent or even cover basic living expenses.
This situation has been emotionally devastating. Dance and movement have always been my way of surviving, expressing myself, and feeling free – and now I am left unable to move and without a livelihood. A close friend encouraged me to ask for help because I truly have no other options left.
I sincerely ask for your support and will be deeply grateful to everyone who responds.
Fundraising goal
€3400
€2100 – surgery (money already borrowed)
€800 – rehabilitation (orthopedic care and physiotherapy to restore mobility)
€500 – rent and food during the recovery period