Raised with Love: Judith’s Story

In the year 2008, Judith found herself in the most devastating situation as her father sent her mum out of the house. Her mother was forced to take her along, leaving her siblings behind. At this time she was only 2 years old and could barely understand the situation around her.

Ever since then, life has been difficult for her and her mother who was at that time her only support. Mrs. Itua recounted how difficult it was for her and Judith to get by.

She said, “we had nobody to support us, I had to start making hair in front of our house so I could take care of little needs, but it wasn’t much. We had to manage.”

Judith mentioned that during difficult times she would hold her mother and console her, as it breaks her heart to see her cry. This further brought them closer and strengthened their bond.

Her father contributes nothing to her welfare. According to her mother, he only takes care of her older siblings’ fees and doesn’t share a relationship with Judith. He doesn’t call them and will not pick their calls whenever they call him.

“I have never felt lonely. Thanks to my mum, even among my friends— They never allow me to feel as though I don’t have a father figure,” Judith mentioned.

Judith’s mother ensures she gets the encouragement she needs at every point in time. She never interferes in her decision making and always supports her decisions. When Judith first developed interest in baking, her mother helped her get all the things she needed and tried enrolling her into a catering school.

“Judith went to the market one day and got cake ingredients. I was surprised as I watched her bake a cake. I took a picture of it, I kept it for a very long time– it was so special to me and I decided to enroll her into a catering school,” Mrs. Itua said with a smile.

Although Judith has a desire to study nursing, she also shows other skills in hair making and baking. Her mother assured us that it was totally her choice and she also mentioned that she showed a level of care for people around them, especially injured kids.

Judith had the opportunity to join A2S, and things began to change for them. Her mother emphasized that A2S has been a beam of hope for her and her 18 year old daughter.

“A2S changed a lot of things, most especially in her dressing. I like the way they teach them to dress modestly. At first I was scared, we see girls dressing anyhow, but A2S helped in curbing it early. I love it. Judith doesn’t dress anyhow or talk anyhow compared to other kids around, the difference is so clear,” she shared.

Judith added, “Through A2S I have learnt a lot. Especially the Literary and Debating club. Uncle Destiny taught a lot of things, considering that some of us were science students, he taught us Biology and it helped me in school a lot. I am currently enjoying Health club. It also helps me build more interest in nursing.”

Judith prays everyday that her mother’s life changes so that they would have a better life.

“My mother has been through alot oh. But I always tell her that it will be fine,” Judith emphasized.

“The hair business I am doing doesn’t bring much, you can get 500- 1000 naira on one weaving. And I make it for people in our area and children too. I pray that A2S continues to help us, especially now that she is preparing to go to the University,” Mrs. Itua pleaded.

Just like Judith, many of our kids experience various challenges at a tender age. A2S has been able to reach out to these kids, thereby filling the vacuums that tend to arise in their lives. Thanks to you, our FaithFuel donors, we can ensure Judith and other kids like her at A2S have what they need to thrive.

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” -Psalm 119:105

Click here to learn more about FaithFuel, our monthly giving program at A2S.