Hi, my name is Mykhailo, but everyone calls me Mike. I’m 15 years old.

I never thought I would ever have to write something like this, but life has changed a lot since the war in Ukraine began, and now I really want to help my mom and my family.

I’m trying to fundraise for my school fee this year - €6,900 - because my mom can’t cover it anymore, and I don’t want everything to fall on her shoulders. I also work part-time in a supermarket in Amsterdam after school to help us manage, but it’s not enough. So I’m asking for help with hope.

How I Left Kyiv

When Russia attacked Kyiv in February 2022, we had only 20 minutes to pack.

My mom grabbed our documents, a few things, me, and our cat Syasya. She drove for five days. First through explosions, crowded borders, and fear, then - through peaceful Europe. We wanted to go as far as possible and kept driving. I remember holding Syasya in the car, trying not to cry, because my mom was already crying and I wanted to be strong for her.

We reached the Netherlands - a place that felt safe for the first time in days.

My dad stayed in Ukraine and volunteered to join the military. I worry about him every single day, but he tells me to keep studying and living my life. I really try.

Trying to Build a New Life… Until Everything Fell Apart Again

For a while, things got better. My mom had a job, and I started learning Dutch. It was hard, but I didn’t give up — now I’m actually one of the strongest Dutch speakers among the non-native kids in my class.

But this year, my mom lost her job. She is trying everything, but the job market is very difficult. She did some consulting and freelancing, but it couldn’t cover our costs. We used up all our savings just to survive in Amsterdam. I see how stressed she is, even when she tries to hide it from me.

At the same time, school became really hard for me. I have mild ADHD, and the school I was in didn’t really understand how I learn. I felt like I was always “wrong,” even when I tried my best. It got to the point where going there made me feel like I wasn’t good enough or smart enough for anything.

My mom, seeing me suffering, made a difficult decision to move me to an international school that supports kids like me. In this school, I actually feel understood, encouraged, and not judged. I’ve already visited it, and it felt like I could finally breathe again.

This school could completely change my future, but it’s expensive. €6,900 for one year. And right now, that might as well be a million for us.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I want to help my mom so badly.

She has carried everything for years: first - the war, then - the escape, rebuilding our lives, losing her job, worrying about me and my school situation. So I started working at a supermarket after school. I like earning my own money, but it can only cover small things.

That’s why I’m fundraising.

Not because I want something fancy, but because I want a chance to get the education that will let me build a future where I can take care of my family, not the other way around.

I want my mom to breathe again.

I want my dad, when he sees me, to be proud of me and the life I am building.

A Little About Me

I don’t want to be defined only by war.

I love making music and writing beats.

I scooter with my Ukrainian friends in the parks of Amsterdam — this city really became my second home.

People say I’m kind. I know what it feels like to be scared or lost, so I try to support others when I can.

I just want a fair chance to learn, to dream, and to grow like any other kid my age.

How Your Donation Helps

Every euro you donate goes straight toward my school fee for one year: €6,900.

My mom will be the one withdrawing the funds and updating everyone. We promise to be completely transparent.

You’re not just helping me go to school.

You’re helping me rebuild confidence.

You’re helping me support my mom.

And you’re helping a Ukrainian military defender's son keep believing in the future.

My Final Ask

If you can donate - even a little - thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you can’t, please share my story on your network.

From me, my mom, my dad in Ukraine, and our brave cat Syasya — thank you for reading this and for caring about kids like me who are just trying to keep going.

With hope,

Mike