Jennifer looked around the room. Friends who had become family sang “Happy Birthday” to her and smiled as she went to make a wish and blow out her candles. The thirteen-year old girl felt emotion well in her throat, unsure how to convey gratitude outside of a small smile. Everyone clapped and waited patiently for… Read more
Stephen, a tutor at Igmin Kibe Education Center in Jos, Nigeria, watched the young man come around the corner. His hair was neatly cut, his school uniform freshly pressed, new socks and shoes on his feet, and a bright smile lit up his face. “Yusuf, you are looking so good these days! What’s your secret?”… Read more
“Come here, Selnan, let’s say our ABC’s together,” Israel, Rukuba Children’s Home Director, called to the small boy. Selnan walked over and sat with Israel. They said their ABC’s together and then worked on his first grade homework. Israel smiled at the young boy’s progress. Selnan arrived at Rukuba Children’s Home at the age of… Read more
Azubike Kalu, Back2Back staff, looked down at the big brown eyes standing before him. “Meschach! Sorry, Abednego! Or . . . Shedrach? How are you this morning? Did you sleep well?” A small smile stretched across the four-year old boy’s face, but he never answered Azubike’s question. This morning was the first morning for a… Read more
Danladi, one of the Nigerian Hope Students in Calvary House, listened intently as the list of names was called out. He waited nervously to hear his own. Recently, Danladi’s school had been selected to nominate three participants for a local math competition. He was hopeful he would be picked. He felt his stomach drop as… Read more
A visiting guest, Kali, a physician’s assistan sat across the table from 15-year old Peace. Kali knew Peace was struggling with pain, but the young girl sat quietly before her. “Staff members informed me Peace had been experiencing a lot of pain, but she was very brave when we first sat down together,” shared Kali…. Read more
One way children in Nigeria have fun is through playing and watching soccer. The children from Igmin Kibe Education Center recently invited the children from Destiny Children’s Home to compete in a spirited soccer game during a school break. “It’s always special to me when children from different homes come together,” shared Azubike Kalu, Back2Back… Read more
Joel and Emmanuel are brothers born to a very young mother. While living with her, they were often under the care of their older sister, Magdalene. Childhood wasn’t always easy for the boys. They were teased by peers, told they were products of their mother’s mistake. Their story took a turn in 2012 when Magdalene… Read more
Eighty children from Igmin Kibe Education Center and Destiny Children’s Home were recently able to visit a certified medical clinic in Nigeria. This was the first time to see a doctor or visit a clinic for many of the children. Their eyes were wide, taking in the new building and faces. Each child by the… Read more
Ezra runs the ball in for a goal. He hears his teammates whoop victoriously behind him, and a small smile breaks out on his face. He turns and runs towards his team and coach. They high five him, bringing him close to the huddle as their soccer coach nods knowingly. Ezra is a young man… Read more