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The Story of Chimkanso

Ughere Chimkanso is a young girl from Ezzi, Ebonyi State. Her father, who married multiple wives, neglected his responsibility of sending her to school or providing proper care. By the age of seven, Chimkanso had never been enrolled in school and was often left without adequate food.

In search of survival, her mother left Ebonyi State with her three children and moved to Enugu. Unfortunately, life in Enugu proved even more difficult. The family resorted to begging for food, but this came with new dangers: the Enugu anti-begging task force frequently arrests beggars and detains them at the government psychiatric center until they can pay money for release.

Two weeks ago, we met Chimkanso and her mother while they were begging for help. Instead of giving them money for a day’s survival, our foundation chose to invest in Chimkanso’s future. We immediately enrolled her at Army Children School, covering all her school fees and requirements.

Today, Chimkanso has begun a new educational journey—one that we hope will transform her life and place her firmly on the path toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

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utreach Report: Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation Location: Holy Ghost Cathedral/Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, Enugu State Date: Tuesday, 17th June 2025 Time: 2:30 PM

 

Despite heavy rainfall and limited team turnout, the Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation (UNVCF) remained committed to its mission of reaching abandoned orphans, underprivileged children, and vulnerable youths living on the streets. On Tuesday, 17th June 2025, the Foundation conducted an outreach program at Holy Ghost Cathedral/Ogbete Main Market, Enugu.

Highlights of the Outreach:
A professional cook was engaged to prepare a nutritious and hearty meal to ensure every child received well-cooked food as part of our commitment to their wellbeing.
Over 100 children at the street-begging camp were fed during the outreach.
20 vulnerable adults, mostly parents or guardians living and begging with the children, were also provided with meals.
Educational Intervention:
After the feeding, the Foundation engaged the children in conversations about the importance of education and a better future. Sadly, only seven children agreed to leave street life and enroll in school through our scholarship scheme.
In a prompt response to their decision, UNVCF immediately paid their school fees and entrusted the funds to the Chief Security Officer at Holy Ghost Terminal, who agreed to escort the children and ensure their registration at the designated school the following day. The Foundation will closely follow up to ensure the children are properly enrolled and settled.
Observations:
A large number of children and families showed reluctance to abandon street life, highlighting a pressing need for continuous sensitization programs.
The team observed disturbing trends of physical and sexual abuse and exploitation among children in the area. This will shape future advocacy and intervention strategies by the Foundation.
Appreciation:
We express our sincere gratitude to the security personnel at Holy Ghost Terminal, Enugu for their support and protection during the outreach. Special thanks go to our dedicated team members, particularly Mr. Augustus Chekwus, for their unwavering commitment to our cause.
God bless Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation
Together, we are restoring hope and rebuilding lives.

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Commemorating the Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

The suffering of innocent children at the hands of aggression is not a new tragedy. It is a heartbreaking reality that dates as far back as the birth of Christ, the Saviour of mankind. From that time until now, vulnerable children—particularly those forced to beg on the streets—continue to face aggression, discrimination, and dehumanization.

These children are often met with hostility instead of compassion. When they stretch out their hands for help, they are sometimes beaten or chased away, treated as if they are less than human, as if they have no dignity. This is a direct affront to their humanity and a shameful reflection of our society’s failure to protect the most vulnerable.

Some months ago, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister introduced a policy in Abuja that restricts the movement of street children. While no Nigerian child with fully functioning faculties should have to resort to street begging, the deeper issue lies in what alternatives the government has provided. Education and healthcare are not privileges—they are birthrights. Yet these children are left to survive on the kindness of strangers, without meaningful state intervention.

 

The piercing questions that haunts us at the Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation are these:

Is education not their birthright? Has the government created sustainable hope for their future? Is there moral justification for banning them from begging without creating sustainable hope for their future?

Do these restrictions not breed trauma, exclusion, and even resentment in their young hearts?

How many real, impactful rehabilitation programs has the government implemented for them?

Policies that merely banned them from begging without addressing the root causes of their vulnerability only deepen their suffering. They perpetuate aggression—not with fists, but with silence, neglect, and systemic exclusion.

On this day, as the world commemorates the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, we at the Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation raise our voice in solidarity. To every vulnerable child on the streets of Nigeria, we say: You are not alone.

 

We see you.

We think of you.

We are building a world where your vulnerability will never again be a reason for exclusion.

We dream of a Nigeria where every child is given the tools to rise, to learn, to grow, and to thrive with dignity.

 

You matter. And we will never stop fighting for your right to be treated with humanity, justice, and love

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The Growing Culture of Begging Among Vulnerable Children

The culture of begging for survival among vulnerable children continues to rise, largely due to government policies that deepen poverty and widen the gap between the rich and the poor. These policies have consistently failed to address the urgent needs of children living on the streets, leaving them without shelter, education, or hope.

For many of these children, the street is not just a place they visit — it is their entire world. They sleep on benches, in open spaces, and navigate life through begging and scavenging. While a few kind-hearted individuals may offer occasional gifts or food, these acts only provide temporary relief. What is often ignored is the deeper issue: these children possess untapped talents — skills and potential that, if developed, could greatly contribute to the growth and transformation of Nigeria.

The question everyone must ask is: Are there untapped talents buried in these children? How can such talents be discovered, nurtured, and transformed into tools for national development?

Leaving these talents undeveloped and neglected will not only waste human potential but also breed future social problems. When society turns a blind eye, these children become vulnerable to recruitment by criminal gangs, cults, and extremist groups. If they are initiated into such dangerous paths due to neglect, can we truly say our society is safe? Will this not fuel insecurity and instability across Nigeria?

 

The lives of these children are a reflection of a systemic failure — but they can also become a beacon of national redemption if we act now. Investing in their future is not charity; it is a necessity for a secure, productive, and inclusive Nigeria.

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Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Hygiene and the Plight of Vulnerable Girls in South-East Nigeria

In many parts of Nigeria—especially in the South-East—menstruation remains a taboo topic. It is considered sacred and often shrouded in secrecy, particularly from young girls. Many parents still believe that discussing menstruation with their daughters might lead to early sexual curiosity or promiscuity. This belief, however, is far from the truth. Instead, this silence leaves many girls unprepared, scared, and vulnerable.

During the course of writing this message, a young woman shared her personal experience with me. She recalled the fear and confusion she felt the first time she menstruated. Believing she had an internal injury, she ran to her mother in tears. Only then did her mother explain what menstruation was. Though relieved, she expressed how different it could have been if she had known in advance.

Now imagine the thousands of vulnerable girls living on the streets across Nigeria. Who will they run to when they menstruate? Who will provide them with pads—or even alternative hygienic materials? Who will educate them on menstrual hygiene and guide them through this important stage of their development?

Have they ever been taught what menstruation truly is?

How many of them suffer silently, dealing with infections and discomfort simply because they do not know what to do?

These questions are not just rhetorical—they are urgent. They are why the Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation has decided to take action today, in commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

We recognize that the lack of menstrual education and support has left too many girls unprepared and uninformed. It has confined them to a cycle of poor hygiene, stigma, and avoidable health challenges. Through deep reflection and commitment, we have developed a plan to help end this unjust reality for vulnerable girls.

Today, we stand with every girl who has ever felt afraid, ashamed, or unsupported during her period. We are committed to breaking the silence, providing education, and ensuring that no girl is left alone in her menstrual journey—especially those most at risk.

 

Let us give our girls the dignity they deserve.

 By: Uche-nnamani

Executive Director

*Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation*

 

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REPORT ON THE FIRST OUTING OF UCHE-NNAMANI VULNERABLE CHILDREN FOUNDATION: BACK-TO-SCHOOL CAMPAIGN AND FREE COUNSELING SESSION

Date: 15-05-2025

Venue: Opposite Catholic Cathedral, Abakiliki-Ogoja Road, Ebonyi State

We give all glory to God for the successful launch of our first outreach program—the Back-to-School Campaign and Free Counseling Session—organized by the Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation (UNVC Foundation). This impactful initiative began with a visit to vulnerable children and adults residing along the roadside opposite the Catholic Cathedral on Abakiliki-Ogoja Road, Ebonyi State.

Our team was warmly received by the community, where we encountered a significant number of vulnerable children, including the blind, abandoned orphans, and children of financially challenged parents. The realities of their living conditions were deeply heartbreaking, and it reaffirmed the urgent need for continuous intervention and support.

A special thank you goes to our volunteer counselor, Dr. Festus Asogwa, PhD, a dedicated psychotherapist whose patience and professionalism allowed over 40 vulnerable children to receive personal counseling. These children, many of whom have never had access to such services, benefited immensely from his time and compassion.

Following the counseling session, we distributed and assisted the children in completing the Back-to-School Campaign Form through guided oral interviews. While an overwhelming number of them expressed strong interest in education—including many school dropouts—our current financial capacity allows us to offer full scholarships to only five children. These children will be enrolled at Destiny Seekers International Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School, Umuogharu, Ebonyi State.

It saddens us that only a few could be supported at this time due to financial limitations. We remain hopeful that with more support, we will reach even more children in need.

In this outreach, we also distributed school supplies to Godswill, a child we previously rescued from the streets and enrolled in school. Meeting his father during this visit was a touching moment—he tearfully called our foundation a “destiny helper.”

Our mission has not reached all the local government areas of Ebonyi State due to the fact that it is only funded by the founder for now. And while we aim to proceed steadily, our next outreach will take place in Enugu State.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this initiative a reality:

Engr. Nnamani, for donating his vehicle for our field operations.

The Principal of Destiny Seekers International School, for the warm reception and continued support.

Our Organizing Committee, for a well-coordinated and impactful program.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogoja Road, Abakiliki, for granting us permission and ensuring our safety.

This is just the beginning, and we are committed to doing more—step by step, child by child.

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A Heartbreaking Reality: Emeka and Sunday’s Story

Meet Emeka Oluigbo from Imo State and Sunday from Uburu, Ebonyi State. These two young boys have faced unimaginable hardship and abandonment. After losing their fathers, their mothers left them to marry other men, forcing Emeka and Sunday to flee to the streets.

A Desperate Struggle to Survive

With no one to care for them, Emeka and Sunday trekked to the city, where they began begging for food to survive. Their education, once a promising future, was abandoned. Now, they face the harsh realities of life as street children.

A Beacon of Hope: Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation

But there is hope. Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation is committed to providing Emeka and Sunday with a brighter future. We believe every child deserves love, care, and education. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate vulnerable children like Emeka and Sunday into society.

 

Join Us in Making a Difference

If you’re moved by Emeka and Sunday’s story, please consider supporting our cause. Together, we can provide these young boys with:

– Access to education

– A safe and nurturing environment

– Healthcare and nutrition

– A chance to rebuild their lives

Contact us at mailto:admin@unvcfoundation.org.ng to learn more about our mission and how you can help.

Let’s give Emeka and Sunday a second chance at a happy childhood.

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A Cry for Help: John’s Story

A Cry for Help: John’s Story

John, a young boy from Ofiom in Ebonyi State, has endured unimaginable hardship. A devastating land dispute between his community and a neighboring one has claimed the lives of his mother and siblings. Forced to flee for his life, John found himself alone and adrift in Abakaliki town, seeking shelter under the Presco flyover.

A Chance Encounter

I met John during a recent visit to Abakaliki. As I watched him, I saw beyond the dust and dirt that covered him. I took him to a nearby barbing salon, where a simple haircut transformed his appearance. But it was his story that truly transformed my heart.

A New Beginning

Uche-Nnamani Vulnerable Children Foundation is committed to helping John rebuild his life. We believe that every child deserves access to education, safety, and love. We are enrolling John in school, as he has already completed his primary education.

You Can Help

If you’re moved by John’s story and want to support our mission, please reach out to us at admin@unvcfoundation.org.ng. Together, we can provide John and other vulnerable children with a brighter future.

 

Thank you for your kindness and support!

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A Cry for help

As I traveled to Abakaliki for a burial ceremony at Nwedeoga Idenyi, I encountered a heart-wrenching sight at Presco Junction. A group of street children, visibly malnourished and unkempt, caught my attention. Their faces bore the unmistakable signs of hunger and neglect.

Moved by compassion, I decided to intervene. I took the children to a nearby barbing salon, where they received a fresh haircut. The transformation was remarkable – they looked adorable, and their faces lit up with joy.

One of the boys, in particular, shared his poignant story with me. Having lost his father, he was abandoned by his mother, who remarried. With his grandfather and mother also deceased, he was left to fend for himself. Originally from Uburu, near Dave Umahi’s university, he had completed primary school but was forced to discontinue his education due to lack of sponsorship.

We are eager to help these young boys enroll in secondary school. We are exploring the possibility of enrolling him at David Umahi’s primary and secondar

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