By Mette Thomsen | Project Leader
Dear donor,
We hope this message finds you well.
Joy's Hidden Battle
Eight years ago, we rescued Joy, and she has always been a happy, sweet girl. Recently, she was brought home from school in severe pain. What many Nigerians casually blame on spicy food or "ulcer" turned out to be something more serious: an infection caused by Helicobacter Pylori, a bacterium that silently attacks the stomach. It is widespread across Nigeria, often misunderstood, and dangerous if not treated correctly. It requires a precise combination of antibiotics. With your support, we were able to get Joy the right medication. Access to medicine saves lives, and your generosity makes that possible.
Destiny: One Paddle at a Time
Three words come to mind when we think of Destiny: never give up. We rescued him 11 years ago after he was accused of witchcraft and tortured. He once painted a piece he called "Break the Chain," and wrote:
"The day I escaped the chains of dead. I was locked up for days and then later I was going to be hanged on a big tree. A fire was burning and I had a little time to run away when they went to get more fuel. I’m now happy at Land of Hope with love and happiness."
That was the boy who arrived at Land of Hope, broken and terrified. Last year, he entered the Akwa Ibom State Art Competition and placed second, building a keke by hand. This year, he is going for gold. He has hand-carved a canoe with a small figure paddling forward, naming it "One Paddle at a Time." It is his tribute to parents everywhere who keep moving a family forward, one quiet step at a time. His dream is to become a loving parent himself one day. We are cheering him on with everything we have.
Michael's Mother Needs Our Help
We rescued Michael 12 years ago. He had been accused of witchcraft by his stepfather, a man who brutally abused both Michael and his mother. His mother recently shared with us: "I am tired of life. The suffering is unbearable." She is now raising four children alone, and the family home has deteriorated badly over the years. The roof and walls are in dire condition and at risk of collapse. As a mother herself, Anja knows the deep need to protect your children and keep them safe. We are asking for your support to help repair this family's home and give them safety and hope again.
Asuquo Graduates with a Degree in Genetics
Thirteen years ago, Asuquo was accused of witchcraft and tortured. An axe cut into his skull. The entire village believed he was dead and threw his body into the bushes. This past weekend, Asuquo was celebrated at the Convocation Ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Biotechnology. Words cannot describe the pride and emotion of that moment. From a child left for dead in the bushes to a university graduate in science. He has always been an inspiration to every child and staff member at Land of Hope, and he will always be family. This is what your support makes possible.
Forever grateful,
Your team at Land of Hope
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