What Happens To An Abandoned Child?
Children who are abandoned usually end up in a nearby forest or on the streets. Here they are vulnerable to disease, trafficking, sexual exploitation, crime and violence. One of Stepping Stones Nigeria’s partner organisations, SSNCEF works with street children to help keep them safe from further harm and expand their opportunities. Some children are picked up by SSN’s partner CRARN who provide shelter, education, food and rehabilitation. Those who are not abandoned and either remain in their home or live with organisations such as CRARN face further discrimination. Schools will often turn them away for fear that they will pass the witchcraft curse to other children. It is very common for schools not to serve or allow food in the building because of the belief in the way witchcraft is passed on. Hospitals who suspect a child of being a witch will often deny them medical treatment. Parents will prohibit their children from playing with children who have been accused of witchcraft, meanin
