Chidinma’s Story of Resilience

This month’s FaithFuel story is told from the perspective of Tayo, our Communications Coordinator.

OUR DEAR FAITHFUEL COMMUNITY,

I feel rather delighted by the recent discovery in this little world of ours. This author is rather short of words on how to describe the recent happening surrounding my discovery. One, which not only captured my attention but also my curiosity.  

My discovery lies in the hidden part of a small community in the heart of Benin city, a community that now houses our precious Youth Center. Although at first I found it hard to locate the exact house of Chidinma who eventually became the pinnacle of my discovery, as myself and my companion struggled to come to terms with the condition in which we found them. It was an old small room barely spacious enough to accommodate a family.

Chidinma, the second of 5 children, is a young promising child, full of curiosity and boundless energy. Unfortunately, not everyone is born privileged. Her mother, Mrs. Oluchi relayed to us that before A2S, they had to put Chidinma’s education on a pause due to financial constraints as they struggled to put food on their table. Chidinma and her older brother Michael were forced to stay at home while their peers were in classrooms. This made it difficult for Chidinma to answer questions at a 9-year old’s skill level. During our visit, she seemed to have some difficulty expressing herself. 

Her father, Mr. John is a petty trader who sells things like stove wool. Oluchi sells other little items beside the house. Their income together could not fend for the family and still be enough to send their 5 children to school.

“Due to the cost of things in the market, our business started suffering. We no longer make a profit, and people stopped buying as much as before. Our daddy leaves home very early and comes back very late so that he can make as much as possible.” Oluchi shared.   

Chidinma has shown a great interest in books, and enjoys spending time in the library where she has access to a variety of exciting stories. She also learnt how to make hair, which she uses to keep herself busy whenever she is not at the Youth Center or at school. Oluchi told us, “Chidinma makes hair too, she used to make hair for people and she learns from other people who can make hair.” 

It’s no surprise that A2S came into their lives at a time when they needed a pillar of support. In her mother’s words,

“A2S don really help my family oh (A2S has helped my family). They have become the light in our darkest moment. God brought A2S here because of me”.

Chidinma enjoys spending time at the After School Academy and would never let anything delay her for even a second. While she still finds it challenging to catch up academically, she now has the support she needs to get her learning on track at A2S.

You would agree with me, that just like Chidinma was for me in this moment of our meeting, we become a beam of hope in the lives of unsuspecting individuals, turning around the little “but” that tries to hold back our stories. In her story, you find resilience against the odds. You can see her situation as an example of finding family love in unsuspecting places.

I leave you here; my dear FaithFuel community, I will see you soon.