Dear Sponsor,
Hi! My name is Rostyslav and I’m turning 8 in December! I live in a village. My dad doesn’t live with us, and I don’t know where he works. My mom works cleaning stuff for someone in the village.
I have a sister. She’s 9 and super smart. She does funny things to make me do my homework. One time, she made a “present” and hung it on a tree and said, “If you do your homework right, you get this!” So, I did it fast and good! When I opened it, it was one candy, the kind she sneaks from Grandma! Mom says my sister is clever. I think so too.
My best friend is Roman. He sits next to me in class, and we play football a lot. We help each other with school stuff too. At Christmas, my mom makes yummy food with no meat, and Roman and I go singing at people’s houses. It’s really fun!
In summer, I like walking around our village. This year I get to go to a Christian camp for the first time! It’s with my caseworker and I’m super excited!
I just finished first grade and soon I’ll be in second grade. My school is in the village, and I walk there every day. I stay there for 5 or 6 hours. I like school a lot, especially the cafeteria because they have yummy meat patties! My favorite subjects are PE, Craft, and Art. I also learn Ukrainian, Reading, Writing, English, Music, and more.
Thank you for reading my letter!
Bye-bye!
Rostyslav
Caseworker’s Comments:
Rostyslav is a cheerful and kind-hearted boy in the 2nd grade. He’s known for his calm and balanced nature, and he’s always eager to help others. Whether it’s sweeping the yard or tidying up after meals, Rostyslav takes pride in doing his part at home. At school, he’s diligent and communicative, with a special love for Physical Education, drawing, and hands-on activities. In his free time, he enjoys riding his bike through the village and playing football with his friends. His health is generally good, and his spirit is even stronger.
But behind Rostyslav’s smile is a story of hardship.
His father left the family and started a new life elsewhere, leaving Rostyslav to grow up without paternal support. His mother now carries the full weight of raising three children alone. She works tirelessly as a cleaner, earning just $160 CAD a month, an amount that barely covers the basics, let alone the growing needs of her children.
The family doesn’t have a home of their own. They live in the grandmother’s house, which is in urgent need of repair. The roof leaks when it rains, the rooms are worn and need updating, and the toilet is outside, a harsh reality during the freezing winter months. There is no indoor bathroom, which makes daily life especially difficult for the children.
To make matters more challenging, Rostyslav’s grandmother is elderly and suffers from health issues. Her small pension helps a little, but the cost of medications adds another layer of financial strain.
Despite these circumstances, Rostyslav remains hopeful. He continues to study hard, help at home, and dream of a better future. But his family’s situation is fragile, and they need help.
Through HART’s Child Sponsorship Program, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in Rostyslav’s life. Your support can help provide essentials like food.
Rostyslav doesn’t ask for much. Just a chance to grow up safe, healthy, and supported. With your help, he can continue to shine — not just in school, but in life.
