How family sponsorship in Bulgaria brightens the lives and futures of the most vulnerable
From child one day to guardian of his brothers the next, a grieving young man’s dream comes true.11th August 2025
When the world stopped for three brothers in Bulgaria
As the eldest son of a widow, Ivan – now 24 – has been stepping up to help since he was little. He was living with his two brothers and mother in Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria.
As a teenager, Ivan got an after-school job as a labourer to earn some extra cash. This was despite having an orthopaedic problem in his shoulder that reduces movement in his arm.
His mother, Kemile, had health complications from diabetes and was unable to work full-time, but she had a part-time job as a cleaner in a home for elderly people.
When she died suddenly in August 2021, her three sons were left reeling in shock. At the time, Ivan was 21 and his brothers Georgi and Antonio were 14 and 10.
“When my mother left this world, it was as if the world had stopped,” Ivan said.
An orphan and a guardian at 21
At 21, Ivan became the guardian of his younger brothers. “Suddenly I went from being a child to being a parent,” he said.
“But our mother taught us to be strong – we had to keep going to make her proud. Her absence is like a void in our hearts, but we know she would’ve wanted to see us fight and overcome our problems.”Ivan
And fortunately, Mission Without Borders were there to help them. A few years ago, there was a fire caused by an overload of electrical wiring – but with some support from the municipality and further support from Mission Without Borders, the rooms were renovated and furnished.
Ventsislav, the Mission family coordinator, said, “Regular visits and conversations with the boys are vital. I have worked to support the family emotionally, spiritually and educationally.
“I made sure they had everything they needed, including food and other essentials.”
A dream come true
A local businessman gave Ivan a job in a car wash. Then in 2024, the Mission offered Ivan a self-sufficiency project.
“There’s always demand for car cleaning and polishing services, and a skilled person equipped with good tools has a good business opportunity,” Ventsislav said. “The Mission provided the family with the right equipment and supplies for car washing, cleaning, and polishing.
“During the summer holidays, Georgi and Antonio gain valuable experience by assisting their brother Ivan at the car wash. This boosts the family’s earnings.”
Ivan said, “Now that Georgi and Antonio are older, they have higher expenses for clothes, shoes, school supplies and other necessities. Since we started this car-washing business, our budget has improved significantly.
“It was our dream to have our own business. Now, thanks to the Mission, our dream has come true.”Ivan
Ventsislav said, “This self-sufficiency project is extremely suitable for the Georgiev family, given Ivan's physical abilities and Georgi and Antonio's school commitments. The project not only provides them with financial stability but also gives them a sense of security and hope for the future.
With your help, we can help another family like Ivan’s to thrive. Sponsor a family today.
