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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A special message from our Program Directors in Mexico, Victor and Lety Velasco: Hola and Feliz Navidad from Forward Edge and our program down here in Oaxaca, Mexico. We want to tell you a story of the impact you’re making. One of the first families to join our program 10
In the extremely poor village of Kijabe, Kenya, there lives a crippled widow named Mary. After her husband died of AIDS a few years ago, she struggled to find food. While she suffers from HIV, too, Mary’s greatest challenge is a nerve problem in her legs. She has to use crutches
I just returned from a mission trip to our children’s program in El Cobre, Cuba and spent several days with not only my sponsored child but some of yours as well! What a joy to see them face to face, hug them, and to share some quality time. TyAnn Hunt,
In his book, “Empowering Children”, former Forward Edge board member, Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, shares the importance of involving children in the process of their own development. When a community invests its resources in its children, it invests in its own future. Just as Forward Edge values all children and believes
10 yrs. old
Entered the program: November 2025
Redeemer lives with her parents and two younger brothers in a three-bedroom mud house with a thatch roof and a mud cement floor. The family cooks outdoors with wood and there is no bathroom or toilet facility.
Redeemer’s family is Christian. Her father is a small-hold farmer who cultivates maize and peanuts to provide for the family. As he is unable to purchase additional plants to extend his crops, the food he manages to harvest does not last through the year. The family usually has only one daily meal and her parents will sometimes skip meals so that the children have more. It is a challenge to meet the basic needs of their children, especially school fees; sometimes her parents go to the school to beg that Redeemer and her siblings will not be sent home. Without the assistance of CHG, Redeemer would not be able to attend school regularly.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
