Imagine a world where a child’s first breath is met not with joy, but with fear and condemnation. This is the stark reality in some parts of Nigeria, where infanticide—the killing of newborns—still casts a long shadow over certain communities. But amidst this darkness, a Nigerian couple, Olusola and Chinwe Stevens, have dedicated their lives to rescuing and raising these vulnerable children, offering them a chance at life. Their story is one of courage, compassion, and the relentless fight against deeply entrenched beliefs.
Esther Stevens, now a vibrant 18-year-old, was one such child. Born in 2007 in a village near Abuja, her mother’s death during childbirth marked her as 'cursed' in the eyes of the villagers. According to local tradition, she was destined to be buried alongside her mother. But fate intervened when a missionary pleaded for her life, and she was taken in by the Stevenses, who raised her as their own. Today, Esther’s laughter and quick wit belie the grim start to her life, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
In Nigeria, children are often seen as blessings, but some traditional beliefs paint a darker picture. Children born with albinism, disabilities, or as twins or triplets were once feared as harbingers of misfortune. While these beliefs have largely faded in urban areas, they persist in isolated rural communities. Human rights activist Leo Igwe notes that in some places, a mother’s death during childbirth is blamed on the child itself, further stigmatizing them.
Since 1996, the Stevenses have been on the frontlines of this battle. Sent to Abuja by the Christian Missionary Foundation, they discovered that infanticide was still rampant, with children being poisoned, abandoned, or buried alive. In 2004, they founded the Vine Heritage Home Foundation, a sanctuary for these children. Today, it houses over 200 children, each with a story of survival against the odds.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Despite Nigeria’s modern capital, Abuja, being a symbol of progress, just 40 miles away lie communities trapped in poverty and superstition. Many rely on subsistence farming, and healthcare is woefully inadequate. Olusola reveals that 75% of the children at Vine Heritage are there because their mothers died in childbirth—a grim statistic in a country where maternal mortality rates are among the highest globally.
The Stevenses’ approach is both bold and compassionate. They travel to these communities, begging families to surrender 'cursed' children rather than harm them. They’ve built a network of missionaries to spread the word, offering a safe haven for any child deemed evil. Missionary Andrew Tonak, who has rescued 20 children himself, praises Chinwe’s open-heartedness and leadership, which has touched countless lives.
And this is the part most people miss: The Stevenses’ work isn’t just about rescue; it’s about changing minds. Communities are slowly becoming aware of their efforts, bringing newborns directly to them before harm can be done. Yet, resistance remains. Influential elders and traditional beliefs still pose significant challenges. ActionAid’s Nigeria head, Andrew Mamedu, highlights the issue of denial: 'The community will insist there’s nothing like that, but the evidence is there.'
The Stevenses’ vision extends beyond rescue. They aim to raise these children as their own and eventually reintegrate them into their communities as agents of change. However, reintegration is fraught with challenges. Language barriers, cultural differences, and lingering superstitions make the transition difficult. Esther’s own experience visiting her biological family was bittersweet, marked by both joy and unease.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Can traditional beliefs ever truly be eradicated, or is this a battle that will persist for generations? The Stevenses’ work offers hope, but it also underscores the complexity of cultural change. As Chinwe’s health declines and the home faces financial struggles, the future of Vine Heritage hangs in the balance. Yet, the resilience of the children they’ve saved—like Esther and Godiya—serves as a powerful reminder of what’s at stake.
As we reflect on their story, let’s ask ourselves: What role do we play in challenging harmful traditions, whether in our own communities or across the globe? The Stevenses’ journey is a call to action, urging us to confront injustice with compassion and courage. Will you answer the call?
