OHEWKURU LOVECARES FOUNDATION NIGERIA

HOW IT STARTED

Godwin and Ruth dedicated their lives to this cause since 2002, when they moved with their three kids: Samuel, Andrikjan & Sophia. Unfortunately, Godwin passed away in 2007, at this point Ruth decided to return to The Netherlands with the kids. Ever since, the work they started has been sustained and managed by Ruth from The Netherlands, thanks to the workers and volunteers that were trained between 2002 and 2007. They care and attend to girls with unwanted pregnancies medically but also mentally, spreading awareness to girls and boys at secondary schools and other youth organizations.

WHAT WE DO

The foundation does its work with a focus on God’s love and the sacrifice he gave to us through Jesus Christ, but also that there is hope & a future for everyone, yes even for them! This in combination with guidance and a little loan in the form of a microcredit made possible by donations from The Netherlands, has made a major positive impact on the youth of Igede. Abortion and unwanted pregnancies still occur, but it is nothing compared to the numbers prior to 2002. Bringing awareness also helped the region by talking the taboo that made it almost impossible to talk about unwanted pregnancies & abortions, let alone doing something about it.  

Educating the youth in norms and values based on Christianity was the foundation Ohekwuru Lovecares Foundation was built on, and as the work progressed moral standards was set in place as guidelines for the youth to follow. There was also a lot of demand for financial education and awareness. How to become independent and generate an income to sustain their young families or ‘unwanted’ child. Ohekwuru Lovecares Foundation therefore was involved in social /pedagogical work, Cultural social work, Financial education, the ministry of the Gospel and deliverance when needed.  

WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED

In the last 15 years, Ohekwuru Lovecares has established a Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) across numerous secondary schools in Igede. These groups serve as a platform where sexual education, norms and values & bible study is given to the students. A lot of youth dealing with depression, suicidal tendencies & violence due to incomprehension by society have been helped. The project also provides temporary shelter for youth with life-threatening situations – there are often teenage mothers and adolescent fearing for their lives as they are accused of occult practices and bringing shame to their family name.