Support Mariia – From War to Peacebuilding: Help Her Study Human Rights in the U.S.

Who is Mariia?

Marria is a courageous young woman from Ukraine. When war broke out, she was forced to flee her home, leaving behind everything familiar—her family, her friends, her university, and her dreams.

She eventually found safety in Japan—a country she had already known before the war through a prior exchange program. Thanks to that earlier experience, she had learned the Japanese language and was familiar with the culture.

When the war broke out and she had to evacuate, she returned to Japan not as a student, but as a refugee—this time with no clear path forward. Even so, Marria didn’t give up. She used her language skills to support fellow evacuees, volunteered in her community, and continued studying at her Ukrainian university online, determined to keep moving forward.

Her determination and compassion impressed everyone around her.

Now, Marria has been accepted to a top graduate school in the U.S.—the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver—to study Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance. Her dream is to become a professional peacebuilder, supporting people affected by war and conflict around the world.

Why is Rotary Supporting Her?

Mariia\'s story is not just one of survival. It is a story of resilience, service, and global citizenship—values that lie at the heart of the Rotary mission.

Rotary International have long believed in the power of education to promote peace and mutual-understanding. Marria has demonstrated a deep commitment to these values—not only by overcoming adversity but by actively giving back to others in need.

As one of the active Rotary clubs, we believe that by supporting Mariia, we are investing in a future leader who will carry forward the ideals of peace and humanitarian service.

Why We’re Raising Funds

Mariia has managed to secure about 60% of her tuition through scholarships and personal effort. However, she still needs to raise approximately 2 million yen (around $13,000 USD) to cover the remaining costs for her first year of graduate school.

Without these funds, she may have to forgo this life-changing opportunity.

What Your Support Will Do

Your contribution will go directly toward Mariia’s tuition at the University of Denver.

If this campaign succeeds, we may launch a second phase to support her second year as well.

By supporting this campaign, you’re not just helping one student—you’re empowering a young leader to work for global peace and human dignity.

How You’ll Be Thanked

All supporters will receive a personal thank-you message from Mariia (video or email).

Supporters contributing above a certain amount will be invited to a special online talk session, where Marria will share her experiences from Ukraine, Japan, and her studies—offering a unique window into the realities of war, displacement, and peacebuilding.

This is a meaningful opportunity for individuals, companies, and organizations seeking to support global education, humanitarian leadership, and youth empowerment.

A Message from Mariia

"The war in Ukraine took away my home, my sense of safety, and my plans for the future. But it also gave me a mission. I want to be someone who brings peace where there is conflict. With your support, I can take the next step on that path. Thank you for believing in me."

Together, let’s help Mariia build a better world. One step, one scholar, one act of kindness at a time.

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🎁 Donation Tiers & Returns

(Exchange rate: 1 JPY ≒ 0.0064 USD)

💴 ¥5,000 (approx. $32 USD)

• ✅ Thank-you email with a personal message from Mariia

💴 ¥10,000 (approx. $64 USD)

• ✅ Thank-you email with a personal message from Mariia
• ✅ Study abroad update letter

💴 ¥30,000 (approx. $192 USD)

• ✅ Thank-you email with a personal message from Mariia
• ✅ Study abroad update letter
• ✅ Invitation to an online debriefing session
• Scheduled to be held by June 2026, coordinated with Marria\'s availability

💴 ¥50,000 (approx. $320 USD)

• ✅ Thank-you email with a personal message from Mariia
• ✅ Study abroad update letter
• ✅ Invitation to an online debriefing session
• Scheduled to be held by June 2026, coordinated with Mariia\'s availability
• ✅ Thank-you video message

💴 ¥100,000 (approx. $640 USD)

• ✅ Thank-you email with a personal message from Mariia
• ✅ Study abroad update letter
• ✅ Personalized thank-you email and video message
• ✅ Invitation to an online debriefing session
• Scheduled to be held by June 2026, coordinated with Marria\'s availability

💴 ¥500,000 (approx. $3,200 USD)

• ✅ Thank-you email with a personal message from Mariia
• ✅ Study abroad update letter
• ✅ Personalized thank-you email and video message
• ✅ Invitation to an online debriefing session
• Scheduled to be held by June 2026, coordinated with Mariia\'s availability
• ✅ 60-minute online lecture or talk by Mariia
• Details to be discussed in advance. Valid until June 2026