Aliaksandr* was released from prison in the middle of 2024, having spent a year and a half in detention. The man remains in Belarus, he wants to continue earning a living with his mind and strength.
“After my release, I faced serious problems: my health, undermined in prison, prevents me from working physically, two surgeries have already been done, long-term treatment requires significant funds,” says the Belarusian. — I don't give up and am ready to learn new things. My goal is to learn a profession that will allow me to work remotely and to restore my financial independence. But now I need help.
Before the events of August 2020, Alexander was developing his small business: he invested in it, bought equipment and rented premises. Everything was done with his own hands. In 2023, the man was arrested and sentenced to a year and a half in a colony under the “people's” article 342 of the Criminal Code (organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order).
The former political prisoner said that at the time of his arrest his business was idle, although the rent had been paid in advance. His relatives hoped for release, but after the sentence and sending him to the colony, the equipment went to the rent, the business had to be forgotten, and all the money was spent on its support.
“As they say in the people, for one convict works the whole family, and it's good if there is one,” Alexander jokes unfunny. — I was lucky with my relatives, but transfers, a lawyer — all this requires expenses, and permanent ones at that”.
In detention, the man was engaged in heavy physical labor. First, he developed an inguinal hernia, then problems with his hands, and in addition, he started having epileptic seizures, which he was able to diagnose only when he went to doctors in prison.
Alexander has now turned to the ByHelp Foundation for help with medical rehabilitation, but he needs financial support for the period until he can learn a new profession.
“Because of my health problems, I can't do physical labor as before, so I'm looking for remote work and mentoring to learn a new profession,” the man says. — I am accustomed not to put my hands down, not to wait for help, I am looking for myself, I got a job as a sales manager, I believe that thanks to your support I will be able to overcome difficulties and start a new chapter of my life. Thank you to everyone who will respond and believe in me”!
It takes a lot to start a new life after incarceration: learning and recovering both physically and mentally. Shutting down basic needs while the transition is underway. Getting accustomed to society all over again. Gaining back respect and self-confidence.
But in doing so, you constantly run into rejections in the hiring process. Behind polite phrases often hides reluctance to hire a person with a criminal record, especially if it is related to politics.
The money raised will go to education, medical treatment, housing and food, help with socialization and job search.
*We have changed the hero's name for security reasons, as he is in Belarus
How much is needed?
€2800
€1100 — retraining courses for a new profession
€1000 — food and household expenses for 2-3 months
€700 — debt for public utilities, which accumulated while the man was in prison