In a world where the innocence of children should be cherished, a heart-wrenching tale unfolds in Nigeria, where a brave couple, Olusola and Chinwe Stevens, have dedicated their lives to fighting a dark tradition that threatens the lives of innocent newborns.
The story begins with Esther Stevens, a young woman who, despite facing a near-death experience at birth, has grown into a vibrant and cheerful 18-year-old. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and compassion.
In Nigeria, children are often seen as divine gifts, but sadly, certain beliefs have cast a shadow over this view. According to some traditional systems, children born with albinism, visible deformities, or disabilities were believed to bring curses or serve as omens from ancestors or deities. This belief, though fading in many areas, persists in isolated communities, particularly among the Igbo people in southern Nigeria.
The Stevenses, sent by the Christian Missionary Foundation to Abuja in 1996, discovered a shocking reality: children were still being killed—poisoned, abandoned, or buried alive. Determined to make a difference, they established the Vine Heritage Home Foundation in 2004, a sanctuary for vulnerable children. Over two decades, their home has grown to accommodate over 200 children, providing a safe haven and a second chance at life.
The Stevenses' journey has not been without challenges. They've had to navigate through communities that become nearly inaccessible during the rainy season, where subsistence farming is the norm, and healthcare facilities are poorly equipped. According to Olusola, a staggering 75% of the children at Vine Heritage lost their mothers during childbirth, a stark reminder of the dire maternal healthcare situation in Nigeria.
Their efforts to rescue these children have been met with both cooperation and resistance. They've had to plead with families, appeal to traditional priests, and spread the word that their home is a safe place for children deemed 'evil.' One of their contacts, missionary Andrew Tonak, speaks highly of Chinwe, describing her as a mother and leader whose generosity and instinct to give have touched countless lives.
As word of their work spreads, more communities are bringing newborns directly to the Stevenses, ensuring their safety. Olusola shares that families now come asking for the location of their home, bringing their children to them.
Vine Heritage is a bustling home, with children ranging from newborns to young adults. The oldest resident, Godiya, has been a part of the family since she was a baby, and the newest arrival, a baby born just days ago, is fighting for her life in a hospital crib.
The home has expanded over the years, moving from a cramped facility to a larger compound in Gwagwalada, thanks to funding from the EU and ActionAid. The staff, working tirelessly in shifts, provide round-the-clock care for the babies and toddlers.
As you walk through the grounds, you'll hear the cheerful voices of the children, especially the youngest ones, who call out to Olusola, their 'daddy.' The multiple-birth siblings, with names like Victor, Victoria, Mabel, Bethel, Zion, and Zipporah, add a unique charm to the family.
Among the youngest residents are triplets named Paul, Pauline, and Paulina. Their parents, fearing for their safety, brought them to Vine Heritage, knowing that their village might not be a safe place for them.
Esther, a favorite among the younger children, had no idea about her true origins until she was 14. She believed she was the Stevens' biological daughter, assuming she was simply growing up in an orphanage run by her parents. It was only when members of her biological family unexpectedly visited that her illusion was shattered.
Kaida, a village near Abuja, is one of the communities where infanticide may still occur. Here, the Stevenses' work is crucial in saving lives and changing mindsets.
Abubakar Auta, a father of 13, sent his twins, Eric and Erica, to Vine Heritage to protect them and their mother. He believed that leaving them in Kaida would make them a target.
The village head describes the killing of children as belonging to a time when people didn't recognize their humanity. He insists that their eyes are now open, and such killings no longer happen. However, the sensitivity of cultural taboos and the fear of stigma make it challenging to openly discuss these practices.
ActionAid, in partnership with the Stevenses, has taken a patient and practical approach to tackling infanticide. They've established committees in each community, involving men, women, young people, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, framing their aim as community development.
This strategy has yielded some positive results. In four communities, the killings have gradually stopped, and parents have returned to reclaim their children. New local advocates have emerged, willing to speak up against this dark tradition.
The Stevenses' vision has always been to raise these children as their own and, when they're older, return them to their communities as agents of change. In recent years, they've successfully reunited 36 children with their families. However, reintegration is not without its challenges, from language barriers to adjusting to rural life.
Education plays a crucial role in the lives of these children. At Vine Heritage, every child goes to school, and many, like Godiya and Esther, aspire to higher education and professional careers. Returning to their villages often means sacrificing these dreams.
The Stevenses' work is a labor of love, but it has taken a toll on their health. Chinwe, suffering from a stroke, high blood pressure, and undergoing regular dialysis, now lives in a small flat nearby, relying on donations to cover her medical expenses.
Olusola believes that the future leaders of Vine Heritage are among the older children, those who are already involved in administration and management. He trusts that in the next decade, the home will be in their capable hands.
Despite the challenges, the Stevenses' work continues to inspire and make a difference. Their dedication to saving lives and nurturing emotional bonds among the children is a testament to the power of compassion and the potential for change.
This story is a reminder that even in the face of darkness, love and resilience can prevail, and that every child deserves a chance at a bright and safe future.
