The Beginnings of Growth

The other students call sixteen-year old Danladi the pastor of the house. His faith is strong and his understanding of Scripture is sound.

Danladi transitioned from Destiny Children’s Home to Calvary House as a Hope Program student. He read very little English and was well behind academically when he arrived, but is making up for lost time. He has proven to be a very determined young man. Like many children Back2Back serves in Nigeria, Danladi’s access to education was limited, but he is not allowing this to define his story.

“He is a smart boy and is determined to work hard within his new classroom,” shares Leah Smart, Back2Back Nigeria staff.

Danladi takes advantage of the homework tutor every day, using his additional tutoring time intentionally. He is showing growth in his studies and receiving top marks in school, growing from his current fourth grade reading level towards what is required for his age.

He is a curious young man, wanting to learn in school, as well as at home. Danladi’s House Parents, while providing holistic care, also want to cultivate passions growing within each boy at Calvary House. Recently, Danladi requested the chance to start a garden and grow crops. Today, plots of dirt sit side by side at the home with various amounts of greenery shooting up from the ground, marking the beginnings of growth.

He is faithfully tending his garden, growing corn, tomatoes, and red peppers. His excitement over growing crops has spread throughout the home; other boys living in Calvary House, Adik, Jonathon, Emmanuel, and Nanpan, have each asked to grow their own gardens.

The boys in Calvary House are receiving care and living as a family, learning that intentional care will allow everyone to grow.