Update — July 2025

Dear friends,

We are incredibly grateful for the love, support, and generosity you’ve shown to Ivan and his family over the past weeks. Your kindness has meant the world to us.

We’re happy to share some exciting news: Ivan has been awarded a scholarship from Codarts that will cover almost half of his annual tuition fee! This is a huge achievement, and it brings us one step closer to making his dream a reality.

Because of this support, we are now adjusting our fundraising goal to reflect the updated financial needs. The new target is €15,000, which will help cover the remaining tuition fees and living expenses (housing, insurance, and visa) for Ivan’s first year in Rotterdam.

Your continued support — through donations or simply sharing this fundraiser — makes a real difference. Together, we can help Ivan begin this important chapter with hope and strength.

Hello everyone,

My name is Catia, and I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of a dear Ukrainian family who became very close to my heart.

At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I had the chance to meet this incredible family — and we welcomed them into our home here in Portugal. Through this experience, we formed a strong bond of friendship, trust, and support. Today, they are facing a new, important challenge, and I would love to ask for your help on their behalf.

Ivan, a talented young musician, has been accepted into the prestigious Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam to study music. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to follow his passion and develop his skills. However, the total cost of tuition, living expenses, insurance, and visa requirements is extremely high — approximately €34,500 for the academic year 2025–2026.

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is nearly impossible for his family to find such a large amount of money. Like many Ukrainian families, they are doing their best to stay strong, but financial resources are very limited under the current circumstances.

That is why we are reaching out to the kindness and generosity of people around the world. Every donation, big or small, will help Ivan get one step closer to his dream of becoming a professional musician.

How will the funds be used:

• Tuition fees

• Living expenses (housing, food, transportation)

• Health insurance

• Visa application fees and requirements

All funds raised will go directly to support Ivan’s studies. His family will provide regular updates on his progress, and every contribution will be deeply appreciated.

We believe in the power of education, culture, and music — especially during hard times. Supporting young, talented people like Ivan is an investment in a better, more compassionate world.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading our story, sharing it, and supporting Ivan on this important journey.

Warm hugs and gratitude,

Catia