The Destitute Home, built for 500 people, plays home for over 2,000 of the most disadvantaged people in Nigeria. It consists of 3 blocks: one for blind people, one housing cripples and one for a colony of lepers. The residents survive mainly by begging and hawking on the local streets, and, when their children are old enough, they do the same. Conditions in the home are extremely basic and it is a hotbed for diseases, such as malaria and cholera.

400 children live at the home. They would all love to receive an education, but schooling poses a huge financial burden for their families. For many families, sending a child to school isn’t an option as losing the income their child earns, and the cost of registration fees, uniforms and school supplies is prohibitive. Schooling fees amount to around £20 a year, in comparison, the average income in the home is between 60 pence and £1 a day, making this cost practically unobtainable for many families.

In order to enable these children to receive an education, I am raising money to reduce the financial burden on their families. All money raised will go towards funding schooling for as many children as possible. An education will provide these children with the life skills they need to get a job, learn a trade or start their own business, providing them with the means to improve the lives of their family and their community. Any donation will make a massive difference to these children’s lives and would be greatly appreciated.

Please have a scroll through these pictures and hear some of these incredible kids’ stories.

Alhaja Baba Mohamed, the General Secretary of the Home. He has lived here for 25 years, and cites 2 major problems the residents face: a lack of medical care and difficulties in educating the children, namely the financial cost coupled with low family incomes. He says government support is inadequate and so they must rely on donations from NGO's and individuals.

Buhari (6) is the son of 2 beggars and has 7 siblings. Only recently have Buhari’s parents been able to afford to send him to school. When he grows up, he would like to be a soldier.

Amina (alongside her brother) is 13, has 5 siblings and is the daughter of the leader of the community of cripples. Amina loves school and maths is her favourite subject. She dreams of one day becoming a doctor.

Sanni (14) has 4 siblings. He’s a very bright young lad and was helping translate for his friends. When he isn’t at school, Sanni works as a tailor. When he grows up, Sanni would like to be a soldier.

Adamu is 13 and works part time as a mechanic while going to school. His dad has sadly passed away and his mum is a beggar. Adamu dreams of becoming an engineer.

In my time at the Home, I have been overwhelmed by how happy, friendly and eager to learn these kids are, despite the conditions they live in. By receiving an education, these children will have the opportunity to make a living for themselves and not be resigned to the way of life of their parents. I hope one day they may be able to raise their family out of poverty, ending the perpetual cycle they exist in. If you've read this far, I hope you’ve enjoyed their stories and on behalf of the kids, thank you for your donations!

If anyone is interested in reading more about the home, you can find some great information and pictures on these 3 links.