Support the children 
Save lives 
Wear your support This painting was created by Hope who was rescued on January 30th, 2016.
A rescue that made headlines all over the world — the moment the world first saw an abused “witch child.”
Since the rescue, Hope hasn’t been able to speak. He communicates with sounds he makes himself, but he doesn’t form words. We’ve had his hearing tested several times, and the results show that his hearing is reduced. He’s what many would describe as deaf-mute. We’ve tried giving him hearing aids, but he doesn’t want to wear them. He’s happy communicating in his own way — and much of it still happens through dance and art. Hope loves to paint.
In January 2026, Hope will be starting at a boarding school, and he is incredibly excited. The school is a special school for children who are blind or hearing‑impaired. Hope visited the school in November with our education team. When Anja arrived in Nigeria in December 2025, the very first thing Hope “told” her was about the school — by miming a car driving there and covering his eyes and ears to show it was for blind and deaf students. He is so proud.
It’s a big step for Hope. A whole new chapter in his life. Just like many of the older children before him, it’s now his turn to leave the nest. Anja feels a bit emotional about it, but also at peace, because she knows Hope is strong — and he’s going to do really well.
Children’s Art
We use visual arts education as a therapeutic tool to support the children’s mental well-being. Many of them find it difficult to speak openly about their traumatic experiences. Art classes offer a safe and expressive outlet, allowing them to communicate emotions that can be challenging to articulate verbally.
Some children paint scenes related to what they have endured, while others focus on their hopes, dreams, and visions for the future. What they all share is remarkable artistic talent, and many have already won multiple talent competitions in Nigeria.
