Dear sponsor,
My name is Zahar, and I am 13 years old. I live in a town with my family. My mom works at the Administrative Services Center, and I have several siblings, including an older brother who is currently serving in the army. I think about him often and pray for his safety.
I am in the 8th grade and enjoy school, especially spending time with my friends and learning new things. My favorite subjects are Physical Education and History. I love sports, especially volleyball and soccer, and I enjoy playing with my best friend, Andrii, who is also my classmate.
In my free time, I do my homework, help my mom, and spend time with friends. I also enjoy helping prepare Christmas meals and making the most of my summer holidays. One day, I would like to become a cook, although right now I also dream of serving my country.
Thank you so much for supporting my family and me. Your kindness means a great deal to us. I would love to get to know you better, so please write to me if you can. I look forward to reading your letters.
Your friend,
Zahar
Caseworker’s Report:
Meet Zahar, a thoughtful, gentle, and resilient young boy whose quiet strength and caring heart shine through in everything he does. Modest by nature, Zahar is not one to seek attention, preferring instead to observe, listen, and build meaningful friendships with those he trusts. He enjoys sports, spending time outdoors, and helping his family whenever he can. Inspired by his older brother, who serves in the military, Zahar dreams of one day becoming a serviceman himself. He is also interested in mechanics and hopes to build a future where he can provide for others. At home, he is a caring son and brother who willingly helps with household responsibilities, supports his younger siblings, and values the importance of family.
Behind Zahar’s quiet smile is a family facing immense challenges.
Zahar lives with his mother and several siblings in a modest and small apartment. His mother is a devoted and hardworking woman who has dedicated her life to raising her children. She comes from a large family herself and is the mother of eight children. When her youngest daughter was born, the children’s father left the family and has since no role in their lives. Since then, she has carried the burden of providing for the family on her own, working tirelessly to ensure her children have food on the table, clothes to wear, and the opportunity to continue their education.
Despite her determination, the challenges are overwhelming. The family’s expenses are constant and growing. School supplies, clothing, shoes, medical costs, utilities, and everyday necessities create a financial strain that one income simply cannot cover. Recently, her situation became even more difficult when she was demoted at work, resulting in a reduction in her salary. While she has sought help from churches and community organizations, the HART Child Sponsorship Program has become the family’s only consistent and reliable source of support.
Although the family’s apartment is clean and well cared for, it is not adequately equipped for such a large family. The children share limited living space, with several sleeping in the same room and often sharing beds. There is little storage for clothing and personal belongings, forcing many items to be kept in bags. The apartment has not undergone significant repairs in more than fifteen years and is in need of renovation. Dampness and mold continue to be ongoing concerns, particularly in the bathroom and hallway. Despite her best efforts to keep the home safe and tidy, Zahar’s mother lacks the resources needed to address these issues properly.
What makes this family remarkable is not the hardship they face, but the love and perseverance with which they face it. Zahar’s mother continues to fight for her children every day. She advocates for them at school, works hard to provide for them financially, and does everything possible to ensure they feel loved and protected. Though exhausted by life’s demands, she remains open-hearted, sincere, and willing to seek support when needed. She encourages her children to participate in church activities and community programs, believing they deserve every opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
Zahar and his siblings are bright, friendly, and eager to connect with others. They enjoy conversation, value relationships, and appreciate every act of kindness shown to them. Yet their family continues to need emotional, spiritual, and practical support to help them navigate the many challenges they face.
Sponsoring Zahar is about far more than meeting financial needs. It is an opportunity to invest in the life of a remarkable young boy who has dreams, potential, and a heart full of hope. Thank you for considering Zahar and his family. Your partnership could make a lasting difference in their lives, bringing hope, opportunity, and practical support when it is needed most.
