Nigeria: the CiN-orphanage protects life

Vienna/Enugu – The ongoing wave of violence in Nigeria has not only led to Christian communities in northern Nigeria feeling unsafe. It has produced something even worse: orphans. They are silent witnesses to the brutal massacres of their parents and fellow villagers, witnesses to arson and other atrocities.
When they are picked up by members of the church as they wander around, they are either completely alone or sometimes have a sibling in their arms. This sight is painful because it shows what should not be allowed to happen. The church is one of the most important pillars of support for orphans in the country.
It is important that, after these traumatic experiences, the children can grow up in a peaceful environment where they are offered prospects and a future free from violence.

40 children accommodated at the CiN home
For years, the GAMB orphanage run by Christians in Need (GAMB stands for Guardian Angels Motherless Babies) has been a place that offers this protection. The foundation stone for this was laid by a large donation from Maria Schreiber of Austria. A building that was almost ready for demolition was given a new lease of life when construction work began in 2011.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to our loyal donors, who have kept the orphanage running for a good 15 years now.
Currently, 40 children live in residential huts and are taught at the adjacent St. Joseph‘s School. The children are under the constant care of the sisters, who play and sing with them, but also help them with their homework.

New library for children
It is wonderful to see how the building complex has grown over the years and become a small oasis of hope. The orphanage is constantly being developed, and recently an in-house library building for children was opened.

Where books write the future – St. Richard‘s Children‘s Library
Now the library building needs to be filled with life. It still needs shelves, a play corner, child-friendly seating and, above all, books – first readers, children‘s Bibles and exciting stories. We are therefore asking for your support in setting up the library so that it can become a place where children can enjoy reading and develop new perspectives.