Dear Sponsor,
I am writing on behalf of my daughter, Sofiia, who is 5 years old, in the hope that you will consider supporting our family. I am raising five children on my own. I receive child benefits for only two of them, and their father provides no support.
Sofiia was born very small and weak, yet she has grown into a bright, curious, and joyful little girl. She learned to speak quickly and now talks beautifully. She loves to run, jump, learn new things, and play with her sisters and brother.
She has a strong personality, loves semolina and fruit, and enjoys dressing up in pretty dresses. Mornings for kindergarten are difficult for her, but she always tries her best.
Your support would mean more than I can express.
With gratitude, Anastasiia, Sofiia’s mother
Caseworker’s Comments:
Meet Sofiia, a bright, curious little girl whose energy fills every room she enters. Though she can be shy with strangers, she blossoms around those she knows, chatting happily and showing her lively, determined spirit. She adores playing with the family cat, spends long moments drawing colorful pictures, and proudly helps her mother and older sisters by tidying her toys and making her bed. Even though she has only just begun kindergarten, Sofiia approaches the world with wonder, creativity, and a spark that hints at a very promising future.
Sofiia’s mother grew up in a boarding school, where she never experienced a stable home environment or positive examples of parental care. As an adult, she struggles to provide the guidance and structure she never received. She is currently raising five children on her own, having lived separately from her husband for an extended period. Without support, resources, or a reliable income, she is overwhelmed, and the children are living in conditions that place their well‑being at risk.
The family does not have a home of their own. For many years, they relied on temporary arrangements and the generosity of acquaintances. Approximately one year ago, they were permitted to move into an old house on the condition that they maintain the property. The house is in extremely deplorable condition. It is small, cold, and unsuitable for a large family with young children. There are only two small rooms, one of which is a walk‑through, along with a narrow hallway and a small kitchen. The restroom is located outside, and there is no bathroom. The children are bathed in a basin, and water must be heated in a kettle. During the colder months, it is especially difficult to keep the house warm, and the family struggles to maintain even minimal comfort.
Although the property includes a large yard, most of it is overgrown and filled with accumulated debris. On a small section of the land, the family planted potatoes, tomatoes, and onions in an effort to secure at least a minimal supply of food. The mother has no stable employment and no steady income. She occasionally earns small amounts by working in other people’s gardens, and the family survives primarily on limited state assistance for two of the children, which is far from sufficient to meet their basic needs.
The mother’s lack of parenting experience and emotional support often results in inconsistent supervision. There are times when she leaves the home, leaving the children alone. The older daughters frequently assume responsibility for the younger siblings, which forces them to miss school and contributes to ongoing conflict within the household. Disagreements arise regularly over household chores and childcare responsibilities. The children are often seen unwashed, uncombed, barefoot, or hungry—not due to a lack of love, but due to the mother’s exhaustion, limited skills, and overwhelming circumstances.
Sofiia, enjoys playing with her siblings, especially Dima and Diana, and she loves looking through picture books. Despite her playful nature, she is very withdrawn around unfamiliar people and struggles to trust those she does not know. She is emotional, strong‑willed, and in need of consistent attention and care. Although she attends kindergarten, she does not enjoy going, likely due to the instability and stress she experiences at home.
The older sisters take turns attending church, as someone must always remain at home to care for the younger children. The family desires connection and support, but their circumstances make it difficult to participate fully in community life.
This family requires comprehensive assistance. They need food, clothing, hygiene products, and help improving their living conditions. They also need guidance in organizing their household and ongoing support to ensure that the children have safe, stable conditions for healthy development. Sponsorship for Sofiia and her siblings would provide them with essential resources, emotional stability, and the opportunity to break free from the cycle of hardship that has defined their lives.
