Dear Friends, Supporters, and Kind Strangers,
My name is Anahita Karimi, and I am a third-year student in the Fashion and Textile Department at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague. I am writing to you today with deep urgency and hope, as I am facing an incredibly difficult financial situation that threatens to cut short the dream I have worked so hard to achieve.
When I first arrived in the Netherlands, the euro was 20 times stronger than my home currency. Today, due to inflation, sanctions, and the devastating effects of war, it is nearly 100 times stronger. My family in Iran has done everything possible to support me. They have sold everything they could—even trying to sell part of our home—but the collapsing economy has made it impossible. Despite working every weekend and holiday alongside my full-time studies to cover my rent, food, and materials, I simply cannot make enough to pay the €1,250 monthly tuition fee. I have borrowed money before and worked tirelessly to repay it, but I have reached a breaking point.
The constant pressure to work and study without rest has taken a significant toll on my mental health. I barely have time to breathe or pause, and the stress of not knowing whether I can afford to continue my education weighs on me every single day. It is exhausting to push forward without relief, but I refuse to give up on my dreams.
I am seeking your help to raise €14,000, which will allow me to complete my education. This amount will cover the remaining €4,000 I need for my third-year tuition fees and €10,000 for my fourth and final year. Your generosity will ensure that I can continue my studies and pursue my dream of becoming a designer without the constant fear of being forced to abandon everything I have worked for.
Returning to Iran is not just a professional setback—Going back would mean losing the ability to live freely and express myself through my work. Here, I have the opportunity to thrive and build a future; returning would mean the end of that dream.
Despite the challenges, I remain fully committed to my education. I have poured my heart and soul into my work, and I am so close to completing my degree. I cannot imagine giving up now. With your support, I can stay in the Netherlands, finish my studies.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings me one step closer to achieving my dream. If you are unable to donate, sharing my story can also make a world of difference. Your kindness means everything to me, and I am endlessly grateful for your support.
Thank you for reading my story and for any help you can offer.
With gratitude and hope,
Anahita Karimi