Dear Sponsor,
Since Illia is only four years old, does not attend school yet, and is unable to read or write, this letter was written by a caseworker based on Illia’s own words. During our conversation, Illia answered the questions he could easily understand, sharing his thoughts and feelings with complete sincerity.
Illia is a wonderful, open, and cheerful little boy. He is active, energetic, and gets along easily with others. He loves talking about the things that bring him joy. His best friend, Vlad, lives on the same street, and the two of them spend much of their time together playing, running, jumping, and enjoying the playground. Their favorite activity is going down the slide again and again.
Illia’s absolute favorite game is “tag.” He repeated this with such excitement that it was clear how much he truly loves it. He also deeply treasures time with his family and loves being close to his mother and siblings.
Even at his young age, Illia is already thinking about the future. He is looking forward to starting first grade next fall and says he really wants to study and go to school. Throughout our conversation, he often mentioned that when he grows up, he dreams of being “cool” a sweet and sincere reflection of his desire to be strong, confident, and successful.
Thank you so much for your support and care. May the Lord richly bless you for the difference you are making in his life.
Caseworker’s comments:
Illia is a bright, energetic, and affectionate four‑year‑old boy. He is friendly, expressive, and full of life. He loves active games, spending time outdoors, and interacting with other children. Illia is very communicative and openly shows his emotions, which makes him easy to connect with. His general health is good, but the instability and hardship surrounding his home life place him at risk emotionally and developmentally.
Illia’s family is facing severe and ongoing hardship. Five children, including toddlers, are being raised in the home, making it extremely difficult for the family to meet even their most basic daily needs. They are living below the poverty line and struggling to survive. Illia’s biological father abandoned the family, and the mother now lives with the brother of her former husband. Although she states they are officially married, he is not the biological father of the children. Neither adult has steady employment; they rely on occasional odd jobs, which provide no stable income. Their village offers almost no work opportunities, leaving the family trapped in a cycle of poverty. The children’s biological father plays no role in their lives and provides no support of any kind.
The family’s living conditions are extremely deplorable. They live in a small house with limited amenities and no centralized gas or water supply. Water must be carried in manually, and all bathing water must be heated separately. The toilet is located outdoors. The home is heated only by a wood stove. The kitchen is not a real kitchen, just a small gas burner placed in a space never meant for cooking. The interior of the home is outdated and has not been renovated in many years. Some rooms are untidy and dirty, the furniture is old and worn out, and there is not enough space or proper furnishings to meet the basic needs of the children. The kitchen area contains only the most essential, heavily used items. The outdoor washroom is in very poor condition. Overall, the home does not meet even the minimum standards of comfort, safety, or hygiene for young children. It urgently requires repair, proper sanitation, and improved living conditions.
Despite these challenges, Illia remains a joyful and loving child. He thrives on connection, play, and time with his family. He is at an age where stability, affection, and a safe environment are essential for healthy development. Without support, the hardships surrounding him could deeply affect his emotional well‑being and future.
This family is in desperate need of help—food, hygiene products, clothing, school supplies, and improved living conditions. They also need spiritual and emotional support, as the weight of their circumstances is far too heavy for them to carry alone. Illia’s participation in the HART Child Sponsorship Program is not simply beneficial; it is vital. Sponsorship provides stability, dignity, and hope. It ensures that Illia receives the care, encouragement, and resources he needs to grow into the strong, confident young boy God created him to be.
