Struggling with reading and writing can be frustrating and embarrassing, as both are such a necessity in life. Boris, though only 7 years old, was wrestling with these struggles. He is the oldest of three children and lives with his family in a village in Bulgaria. His father works in construction and is gone many hours of the day, while his mother stays home to care for the younger children. Boris, in addition to carrying the pressure of being the oldest, struggled from the beginning with his reading and writing comprehension.
Boris was invited to the Convoy of Hope Children’s Feeding initiative in the village. Upon walking into the program center after school, he could smell the borscht soup along with chicken and vegetables. As the aroma pulled him into the center, he was welcomed by the friendly faces of our Convoy of Hope partners. By regularly attending the Children’s Feeding initiative, Boris not only received hot and nutritious meals daily, but he began to make friends and enjoyed playing soccer with the other children.
As a result of these soccer practices, Boris started to learn how persistence and hard work pay off. Our partners in the program encouraged Boris to implement those same practices into his schoolwork. They taught him foundational concepts in education, and Boris worked hard every day. He eventually conquered his challenges with reading and writing and even earned several calligraphy awards for his writing.
At Convoy of Hope, Boris learned the value of doing hard things and working to accomplish goals in order to succeed in life. Not only does he have the praise of his parents and the support of the partners at the Children’s Feeding initiative, he is gaining confidence at 7 years old. This confidence sets the pace and will help him overcome challenges and grow into the man he was destined to be.
