Little Tabitha has found Light After Darkness @ Hasken Arewa Foundation
In Northern Nigeria, where the sun paints the sky in breathtaking shades of orange and pink as it sets over the horizon, a young girl named Tabitha once lost her way in the shadows of grief. At just 10 years old, she had already faced unbearable heartache—the tragic loss of her father and siblings in a terrible drowning accident. The close-knit family that once filled her life with laughter, joy, and warmth had disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving behind a chilling silence that wrapped around Tabitha and her poor mother like a heavy shroud.In the aftermath of that fateful day, Tabitha found it increasingly difficult to socialize with her peers.
Her vibrant spirit was dimmed, and the once-bright enthusiasm she had for arts—a passion ignited by her father’s encouragement—was extinguished. Tabitha felt isolated in her grief, unable to express the turmoil that churned within her. She had to be withdrew from school anyways because she couldn’t afford to pay her fees, this was when and how we met Tabitha.
As a part of the Hasken Arewa Foundation’s mission, we understand that the emotional scars of trauma can hinder a child’s growth and development. We recognized Tabitha’s struggle and the need for a comprehensive psychosocial support that helps children like her heal from their traumatic experiences. During our yearly summer camp—a beacon of hope for many—we aimed to create a nurturing environment where children could express themselves freely, connect with others, and reclaim their lost joy during our trauma sessions.
The summer camp is an incredible space filled with laughter, creativity, and connection. With the guidance of our dedicated volunteers—psychologists, educators, and artists—we safely nurtured the hearts of children who had experienced similar tragedies. Last year, Tabitha took a brave step and decided to participate, even though fear and sadness loomed over her like a dark cloud.
At the camp, she was introduced to a range of artistic activities—from sketching to storytelling to music. Each morning of the camp, I observed Tabitha hesitate at the entrance, but a gentle nudge from one of our counselors reminded her that she could thrive despite her past. Slowly, she started to engage. Smiling through the activities became her sanctuary. As we concluded, Amina began to find her voice again. Through group discussions and art therapy sessions, she learned that her feelings were valid, and she was not alone in her pain. The other children, bearing their own scars, rallied around her with compassion and friendship. Together, they shared stories, formed bonds, and created a support system. At the end of the camp, Tabitha stood bold and eager to give a hug. As each child left the summer camp, the atmosphere was charged with hope and resilience.
The Hasken Arewa Foundation saw a ripple effect: not only did Tabitha begin to heal, but her story also inspired all of us to embrace our own journeys, while helping others heal. The importance of psychosocial support became evident. Tabitha’s story is a poignant reminder that healing is possible, and there is hope even after the harrowing storms of life. With the right support, encouragement, and community, children can thrive, transforming pain into strength. The journey may be long, but each step forward is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, shining brightly against the backdrop of hardship—a reminder that life can indeed blossom even from the most tragic of circumstances.
#haskenarewafoundation #outofschoolchildrenandwomen #education #educatewomen #educationmatters #ngo #northernnigeria #haskenrayuwaafrika #gotname
