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Viktoriia

Name:
Viktoriia
ID #:
LN01500
Age:
5
Birth:
February 2, 2020
Country:
Ukraine

Dear Sponsor,

I live in a beautiful village, where we have a church, a school, and a kindergarten. My father is not around, my mom says he is away, but I’ve never seen him. Right now, she doesn’t work because she takes care of me. I have a big brother named Maksym, who is 6 years old and full of curiosity. Whenever my mom feeds the chickens and ducks, he follows along, but if the rooster pulls on his pants, he runs away crying—and I laugh because the rooster never bothers me! My best friend is my mom. She loves me, plays with me, and I love her very much. I help her plant flowers, and lilies are my favorite because they smell so wonderful. We also play hide-and-seek—when I hide so well that she can’t find me, she gives me a candy as a prize! I go to kindergarten in the junior group, where I have so much fun playing with all the toys. I eat everything they give us, but my favorites are marshmallows, wafers, and chocolate.

I enjoy playing with dolls and soft toys, and I also love sculpting with plasticine. When I grow up, I want to be a dentist so I can fix my mom’s teeth—she only has one! My mom tells me my teeth will grow because I’m still small, but hers won’t, because she’s a grown-up. That’s why I want to help her. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity in helping me and my family. I have four older brothers, and they are all wonderful. Your support means the world to us.

With love,

 Viktoriia

(Written with the help of my older brother)

Caseworker Comments:

Viktoriia is a bright, affectionate, and spirited little girl whose heart overflows with kindness. She greets the world with joy, finding delight in the simplest of things—her favorite dolls, soft toys, and songs that she sings with excitement. Even at such a young age, she radiates warmth and sincerity, always eager to help her mother with daily tasks, whether watering flowers, feeding the chickens and ducks, or simply bringing smiles to those around her. Though she has not yet begun school, she cherishes her time in kindergarten, embracing every moment of play and learning with enthusiasm. In the evenings, she listens attentively as her mother reads the Bible, absorbing stories of faith and love, shaping her understanding of the world. Her gentle nature and boundless energy are a testament to the purity of a child’s heart, hopeful, trusting, and full of light. Viktoriia is blessed with good health, allowing her to enjoy the beauty of each day, growing in wisdom and joy, surrounded by love.

Viktoriia’s family is facing immense difficulties and urgently needs support. As the youngest of six children, she has grown up in difficult circumstances, shaped by loss and instability. Her mother, Olha, was widowed, leaving her three eldest sons without their father’s guidance and support. In the years following his passing, Olha had two more children with a partner who neither lives with the family nor provides any assistance for their upbringing. Now, all six children remain in their mother’s care, yet the family’s financial situation is catastrophic. Olha works seasonally on a farm during harvest, but her limited hours make it impossible to earn enough, as she must also care for her younger children. Viktoriia’s father provides no financial support, leaving the family reliant on a modest survivor’s pension and government assistance as a large, low-income household. Unfortunately, these resources are insufficient to provide the children with their most basic needs, including food and proper nutrition.

Their living conditions are deplorable. The family lives in a deteriorating house with only two rooms, providing far too little space for a household of their size. There is no indoor plumbing—water must be collected from outside, and without a bathroom or toilet, the children are forced to relieve themselves in the yard, behind the bushes, posing serious health risks, particularly for the youngest ones. Hygienic conditions are terrible, with bathing only possible using a small basin inside the home. The floors are made of uninsulated chipboard placed directly on the ground, leading to constant dampness and a growing risk of mold. Furniture is scarce and worn beyond use, the children sleep on old, broken-down folding chairs and beds that no longer provide comfort or support. These conditions make rest and daily life overwhelmingly difficult, especially during the cold winter months. Despite her efforts, Olha struggles to provide strong educational guidance and a stable home environment. The older boys have not developed a sense of responsibility or work ethic, and she often shows indifference toward their personal and spiritual development, which is leading to behavioral and motivational struggles. She also neglects her own well-being, making it even harder for her to care for the children properly.

The family’s hardships make it painfully clear that they need immediate help. With limited financial resources, poor sanitation, and a lack of consistent parental support, Viktoriia’s future hangs in uncertainty. Accepting her into the HART Child Sponsorship Program would provide her with the chance to grow in a safe and supportive environment, giving her access to improved living conditions, essential resources, and the care she deserves. Through this support, she and her family will have a greater opportunity to rebuild their lives and, most importantly, draw closer to the hope and restoration found in Christ.