A Kindness He Will Pass On

Children in Holt’s child sponsorship program love to thank their sponsors in the U.S. with letters and drawings. Here’s a thoughtful letter from 9-year-old Yao in China.

Yao lives in China with his mother and older sister. When he was young, his father passed away from lung cancer. The family used everything they had to pay for medical treatment, and after his father passed, they were left with no savings. Without his father’s income, Yao’s education and health were suddenly at risk. His mother struggled to keep food on the table, let alone afford school uniforms or supplies.

But everything changed when Yao was sponsored. With support from his sponsors, he now receives nutritious meals at home and everything he needs to continue his education.

Today, Yao is in fourth grade and loves going to school. His teachers describe him as kindhearted and understanding. His favorite class is computer science, and he recently joined an English club. Reading has become one of his favorite hobbies, and he says it’s helped him become a better writer. To stay active, he enjoys playing basketball with friends.

At home, Yao is close to his mother and sister. His mom is teaching him how to cook, and he says he now understands how much effort goes into preparing meals. In his free time, he likes building with Legos. His favorite color is blue because it reminds him of the sky and the sea.

Recently, Yao wrote a letter to thank his sponsors for everything they’ve made possible. Inspired by their support, he shared his hopes for the future.