PWAN Success Story: A story of three sisters were abandoned by their parents in Niger state
In the Bosso Local Government Area, of Niger State, three sisters were abandoned by their parents. They were found in an abandoned and damaged apartment, by the landlord. The Landlord reported his discovery to the GRA police division.
Due to the working relationship between PWAN and the police in that region, they called the PDSS lawyer on duty, who immediately reported to the station and called the programme officer. PWAN was successful in pacifying the landlord so that we could contact the relevant agencies.
After a few days, PWAN staff were able to rally with the police, child rights agency, and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and conducted a visit to the house, where C.C.O, (13 years old), P. O. (15 years old), and K. A. O. (14 years old) were once again found. The children claimed their parents were separated, and the mother could not fend for them, so she ran away. They also claimed they had a 17-year-old brother who was with them, and he was the one who vandalised the building by selling furniture and fittings off to fend for them, and he also ran away when he couldn’t cope.
The authorities had attempted to house the children, by reaching out to an orphanage they co-managed, but unfortunately, there was no space to accommodate these girls. There was also an attempt to fund their education, which was done by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in partnership with another NGO. This attempt was also futile, as the donors were unable to make a scholarship available, due to an increase in school fees by the federal government.
However, one of the PWAN staff members contacted a good Samaritan, who would be able to give them temporary shelter until a permanent solution is reached. The sisters were taken in by Mr. and Mrs. P., who happen to be missionaries. Through continued conversation with Mr and Mrs P., they said that the cost of living is quite high, affecting their ability to provide for the children. They are appealing for any support to ease the burden.
The PWAN team is currently seeking scholarship opportunities for the sisters and has supported the family. With the combined efforts of the involved agencies, the girls are now in safe hands. They will receive the necessary support and care, enabling them to overcome the unfortunate circumstances they have faced.
This success story serves as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of organizations such as PWAN in ensuring the well-being and protection of vulnerable children.
