A New Beginning for Hope
Hope, the Nigerian boy once abandoned and left to starve on the streets after being branded a “witch child”, has built a new life filled with dreams and achievements. Recently, he graduated from primary school and now aspires to become an artist.
Hope’s heartbreaking story gained global attention in 2016 when an image of him, then a starving two-year-old weighing just three kilograms went viral. The photo showed him clutching a tattered doll and drinking from a plastic bottle offered by a woman, as reported by Daily Mail.
Rescued from the Brink of Death
Hope’s parents had abandoned him, believing he was possessed by the devil and brought misfortune upon their family. Left to fend for himself on the streets of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, he was discovered by Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Loven, founder of the NGO Land of Hope, which rescues so-called “witch children”.
Loven, 47, recalled their first meeting: “He was so weak, I gave him a little carton of juice, and he didn’t even have the strength to lift it to his mouth.”
Superstitions surrounding witchcraft continue to lead to the abuse and abandonment of many children in parts of Nigeria, according to the Metro UK. “Normally, we rescue children who are at least four or five years old, we couldn’t understand how anyone could have believed a two-year-old was a threat”, Loven added.
Fighting Against Superstition and Building Hope’s Future
At the time of his rescue, Loven feared Hope might not survive. “When we got to this little boy, he was smelling of death”, she told The Mirror. “I thought he would die in my arms. We don’t know how he pulled through, but he did.”
After spending three months in the hospital recovering from severe malnutrition, Hope was given a second chance at life. Today, at 12 years old, he has defied all odds. He recently graduated from primary school with one of the highest grades, a proud milestone for both Loven and her partner, David Emmanuel Umem.
A Talented Artist with Big Dreams
Loven shared her pride on Facebook on August 25: “Not only is he very intelligent, he is a talented artist, an excellent dancer, very warm and caring, and he has a wonderful sense of humor.”
Despite being deaf, Hope communicates through writing and expresses himself through art, earning the affectionate nickname “Little Picasso” from his teachers. His dream is to pursue a career in the arts.
“He is now very independent, strong, and intelligent, and has lots of friends. I am so proud he graduated, and he was so full of pride too,” Loven said.
Looking ahead, Loven plans to encourage Hope to write a book about his extraordinary life story, a powerful tale of survival, compassion, and hope that continues to inspire the world.