Dear sponsor,
My name is Orest, and I’m 9 years old. I live in a village with my mom, dad, sister, and brothers. My dad works in another city, and my mom is at home because she’s on maternity leave. I have lots of brothers and one sister, we play football, ride bikes, and have fun outside.
My best friend is Ihor. We do everything together! We play football and build puzzles. I’m in 4th grade at a special school. I go there by minibus and stay for six hours. I like school, but English is hard. My favorite subjects are math, music, and PE.
At Christmas, I go caroling. In summer, I swim and help my mom. I also love riding my bike and playing football. I like vegetable salad and mashed potatoes. I eat everything my mom makes! On holidays, we get sweets. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher or a doctor.
Thank you for choosing me! I’m really happy and thank God for you. I’d love to know more about you, what’s your name, how old are you, do you like football, what food do you like, and do you have pets? I’ll be so happy to write letters to you. No one writes to me, so I’ll be really glad to hear from you!
With joy, Your new friend,
Orest from Ukraine
(Written with help from my caseworker)
Caseworker’s comments:
Meet Orest, a bright light in a time of hardship. Orest is a fourth-grade student with a gentle heart and a resilient spirit. He lives in a small village with his loving family: one sister, four brothers, and a newborn baby who just joined their household. Despite the challenges they face, Orest radiates warmth and kindness. He’s the kind of child who greets you with a shy smile, then surprises you with his thoughtfulness and maturity beyond his years.
He loves playing football with his siblings and solving crosswords, his favorite way to unwind and challenge his mind. He’s also the proud caretaker of the family dog, making sure it’s fed, walked, and kept away from the chickens. Orest is deeply involved in the daily rhythm of his home: feeding and herding chickens, washing dishes, cleaning the yard, and helping his mother with chores. He’s especially tender with younger children, often seen entertaining them with games or comforting them when they cry.
The family attends an Orthodox church, and Orest is growing in his faith. He listens attentively during prayers and enjoys reading Bible stories. His curiosity is blossoming, and he finds peace in moments of quiet reflection.
But behind Orest’s cheerful demeanor lies a story of struggle.
The family lives in an old, rented house with no indoor plumbing. Water is drawn from a well, and the toilet is outside in the yard. The kitchen is cramped and ill-equipped for a large family, and both laundry and dishwashing are done outdoors. Their washing machine is broken, and the home is in urgent need of repairs. Eight people share this space, and the cold winters are especially harsh, with only firewood to heat the home.
Orest’s mother is on maternity leave and cannot work, while his father works long hours in a nearby town at a temporary, low-paying job. The rent and utilities are a heavy burden, especially during wartime when prices rise and opportunities shrink. The family is doing their best to stay afloat, but they are in deep need of support.
This is where you can make a difference. Through the sponsorship program, we have the opportunity to walk alongside Orest and his family, not just financially, but spiritually and emotionally. Your support can help him thrive in school, deepen his faith, and enjoy the simple joys of childhood that every child deserves.
Orest is not just a name on a page, he’s a boy with dreams, with love to give, and with a heart full of hope. By sponsoring him, you become part of his story. You help lift the weight from his family’s shoulders and give him the chance to grow up in a home filled with warmth, dignity, and opportunity.
