Dear Sponsor,
Hello! My name is Bohdan. I am 10 years old, and soon I will be starting the 5th grade. I live in Ukraine with my mom, and she works at a canning factory. I have three brothers, Vitalii, Serhii, and Sasha, and one sister, Nastia. I love my family very much, and they mean a lot to me.
Some of my favorite things are riding my bicycle, playing games, and spending time with my friends. I also enjoy going to school and learning new things. At home, I try to help my mom as much as I can. I clean up, wash the dishes, and do small chores so she does not have to do everything alone.
My mom and I attend the Catholic Church, and I really like being there with her. I always feel peaceful when we go together.
Thank you so much for supporting me and caring about me. It makes me feel happy knowing that someone far away is thinking of me. I would be very ecstatic to learn more about you, your family, and the things you enjoy doing.
I wish you God’s blessings, good health, and joy.
With best wishes,
Bohdan
Caseworker’s Comments:
Bohdan is a bright, energetic, and curious ten‑year‑old boy who dreams of a future filled with possibility. He loves riding his bicycle, learning new computer programs, and sculpting small figures out of plasticine. At school, his favorite subjects are math and computer science, and he hopes that one day he will become a programmer or follow in the footsteps of the brothers he admires so deeply by serving his country in the military. Every day, he helps his mother by cleaning his room and washing the dishes, doing his best to support her in any way he can.
Behind Bohdan’s cheerful nature, however, is a story of hardship and resilience.
Bohdan’s mother, Liuba, is raising him alone. She has five children in total. Her older sons, Sasha (born in 2005) and Serhii (born in 2004), are both serving in the military. Sasha is completing his studies at a military academy, while Serhii is deployed in an active combat zone. They visit home, when possible, but they are unable to provide financial support. Bohdan’s older sister is married and lives with her own family, and another son, Vitalii (born in 2013), lives with his father and visits Liuba on weekends.
Liuba has overcome significant personal challenges. She previously struggled with alcohol abuse, but she is now fully sober and deeply committed to caring for Bohdan. She keeps their home clean and cozy, ensures Bohdan attends school regularly, and makes sure he receives medical care whenever needed. Despite her efforts, the family’s circumstances remain extremely difficult.
They live in a very small, aging clay house with two tiny rooms, a kitchen, and a narrow hallway. Their water source and toilet are both located outside. The home is heated by a wood burning stove, and during the harsh Ukrainian winters, they can only afford to heat one room at night. The slate roof leaks in several places. Although Liuba has managed to replace two rotted windows, two more still need replacing, along with the front door. She has done light cosmetic repairs and painted the floors, but the house remains cramped, cold, and in urgent need of restoration.
Liuba works as a laborer at a local canning factory, earning only 6,000–7,000 UAH per month (about $145–$170 USD). This modest income is not enough to cover Bohdan’s basic needs, utility bills, clothing, or school supplies. Years of working with cold water have caused her to develop chronic arthritis in her hands, making physical labor painful and limiting her ability to find other work, especially in a village with no alternative employment opportunities. She also suffers from depressive episodes that sometimes require hospitalization, leaving the family even more vulnerable.
