If you saw that horrible photograph of a tiny, emaciated Nigerian boy drinking from an aid worker’s water bottle a few years ago, you likely haven’t forgotten it. His limbs looked like sticks and each of his ribs can easily be counted – and the story behind his abandonment was even more sad: his people believed him to be a witch and cast him out on his own to die, even though he was only a toddler.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Heartbreaking.
He’d been surviving on scraps when Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Loven found him and took him in with other children abandoned or tortured for the same reason. He was called Hope.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Anja is involved with an organization called DINNodhjaelp, which works to change the beliefs surrounding witchcraft and exorcism in Nigeria while sheltering children who are affected, like Hope.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Now, Hope is getting ready to start school, and he’s thriving:
Photo Credit: Instagram
Image Credit: Instagram
The before and after pictures are shocking, and the sight of his smile truly tells it all.
Photo Credit: Instagram
If you want information on how you can help other children like Hope, click here.
h/t: Bored Panda
