Nigerian Boy Once Branded a Witch Graduates with Top Marks After Rescue

Eight years ago, a young boy in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, was abandoned and left to die after being branded a witch. Frail, starving, and alone, his future looked bleak until Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Lovén and her team from Land of Hope came to his rescue.

That boy, named Hope, has since become a global symbol of resilience.

This July, Hope marked a remarkable milestone he graduated from primary school with one of the highest grades in his class. In September, he will begin secondary school, a step many once thought impossible for him.

Sharing her joy, Anja wrote:

"Hope survived. He graduated this year and starts secondary school next month. His story is world famous and every day I look at him and feel so grateful for his incredible development… Not only is he very intelligent, he is a talented artist, an excellent dancer, very warm and caring, and on top of that he has a great sense of humor.”

Hope’s transformation from a boy condemned to die to a thriving student is a powerful reminder that love, care, and second chances can turn tragedy into triumph.

Yet, Anja noted that thousands of children across Nigeria and beyond are still being accused of witchcraft and subjected to abuse, neglect, and even death.

“It’s an uphill battle, but with your support, we will continue to save lives,” she added.

Hope’s journey stands as both an inspiration and a call to action proof that with compassion, every child has the chance to flourish.