Pay Trip Fees
DONATE

Forward Edge Blog

Child Sponsorship

Mission Trips

Resources

Stories
Believing in Ymer

A Childhood in the Shadows

In a small Roma community in Gjakova, Kosova, Ymer grew up facing discrimination and limited opportunities. Like many children around him, education seemed like an unattainable dream, overshadowed by a deep sense of worthlessness. School wasn’t a place of encouragement—it was a daily reminder that he was invisible.

But then, something changed.

A Spark of Hope

When Ymer and his brother started attending tutoring classes through Cornerstone Kosovo last year, he felt a glimmer of hope. For the first time, he entered a space where learning wasn’t met with judgment. Yet, despite his efforts, Ymer still felt unseen. His teacher barely acknowledged his work, and the lack of encouragement made him doubt himself even more.

One afternoon, after a particularly discouraging class, Ymer returned home, defeated. Sensing his frustration, his brother urged him not to give up, reminding him that education could change his future. Taking those words to heart, Ymer committed to completing his homework diligently.

A Life-Changing Moment

What happened next was unexpected. At his next class, his teacher finally took notice. A few simple words of recognition—acknowledging his efforts—shifted something inside of him. For the first time, Ymer felt seen. He felt valued. And that moment sparked a transformation.

With renewed confidence, Ymer started sharing his progress with his family and friends. He beamed with pride as he told them about his teacher’s encouragement: “She is so glad I’m doing my homework!” His joy was contagious, proving that sometimes, all a child needs is to know that someone believes in them.

Encouragement That Made a Difference

Then came another turning point—Ymer started receiving letters from TyAnn Hunt, Forward Edge’s Child Sponsorship Administrator, who has been sponsoring children for over four decades. TyAnn’s dedication to child sponsorship goes beyond her role—she personally invests in the lives of children like Ymer.

“I just encouraged him to do his best and that this is all anyone could ask from him; that I was proud of him, Nora and Metush (Kosova Program Directors) were proud of him, and I’m sure his family was proud of him—and especially God was proud of him,” TyAnn shared. “From the beginning, when Nora shared Ymer’s profile information with me, I was touched and impressed that this boy had such a loving, generous, and joyful heart. It is so wonderful to hear that he is being affirmed in this.”

These letters became a source of strength, reinforcing the truth that had begun to take root in his heart: he was capable, he was worthy, and he had a purpose. Ymer now eagerly awaits the day he can meet TyAnn in person, excited to give her the hug he promised in his letters.

A Future Full of Possibilities

Today, Ymer approaches education with a new perspective. He no longer sees himself as just another overlooked child in a marginalized community. He sees himself as someone with potential, someone who can achieve more, someone who can inspire others.

Ymer’s story is a clear example of how change often starts with the smallest moments—a word of encouragement, a letter of support, a simple act of recognition. These moments create ripples that transform lives.

At Forward Edge, we believe every child deserves to be seen, known, and loved. Because when a child realizes their worth, they don’t just change their own story—they light the way for others to follow.

Want to be a part of a child’s transformation? Learn more about sponsoring a child through Forward Edge today.
child discipleship

Faith, Family, and the Drumbeat of Ramadan

What does it look like to follow Jesus in a culture where most of your community—and even your own family—follows a different faith? In Kosova, where Ramadan is a time of fasting and nightly celebration, young believers often feel the tension deeply.

This blog, written by our Kosova program directors Nora and Metush, shares the powerful story of Ymer—a boy learning to hold onto Jesus in the middle of cultural and spiritual pressure.

Go to Blog »
Christian Charity in Action

Pearl Partner Spotlight: Kenya

This blog is a part of an ongoing series on Forward Edge’s Pearl Partners. Check out our highlights on Cuba and Haiti and enjoy this interview with Jane Wathagana.   20 years ago, Jane Wathagana was a successful businesswoman in Kenya, the Director of Animal World Safaris and Elangata Luxury

Go to Blog »
help children

A Tax-Savvy Way To Give

As Christ-followers, we give to others to follow Christ’s example and to invest in His eternal Kingdom. We trust Jesus when he said, “It is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). While it should never be the reason why we give, a secondary benefit when we do, in

Go to Blog »
disaster recovery

Team Shows Love After Hurricane Harvey

Three Team Members, a piece of cake, and Miss Bonnie It had been three days, and none of us had met Miss Bonnie. “We could see this small shed on the property as we were working, but weren’t sure if someone was actually in there. And then we heard that

Go to Blog »

Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Habari (hello), my name is Samuel

  • location

    Kenya

  • 10 yrs. old

    02-20-2015

Entered the program: October 2019

Samuel lives with his parents and seven siblings in a three-room sheet metal house. The outdoor bathroom facility is in bad condition. The family fetches water from a tap and boils it for drinking.                                                                                               
Samuel’s father is employed as a motorcycle driver earning three dollars per day, which is barely enough for the family’s food. Samuel’s mother stays at home to care for the children. His parents face a lot of challenges in raising their children and providing for their basic needs.

 

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.