Run by the Daughters of Charity, the Marillac Centre takes in young people left to their own devices and wandering the streets of Port Harcourt in Nigeria.

"These children survive by doing all sorts of odd jobs from morning to night without eating anything. Many are sexually abused or taken to the city by traffickers who promise them a better life." Sr Josephine

Despite their efforts to welcome these children, resources are sometimes too limited for the Daughters of Charity.

Thanks to your support for the "Children of Courage" project, 24 young people received food, schooling and medical care at the Marillac centre.

Sr Joséphine testifies to the benefits for these street children:

Inflation is very high in Nigeria at the moment.

As soon as we received the donation sent by Projet Rosalie, we immediately went to Aba, one of the places where goods are sold in very large quantities. We were able to buy school supplies and equipment, soap and shampoo, disinfectant, oil and other items that we had bought in Port Harcourt.

We have also received material support from local donors, individuals and religious groups who have contributed food and second-hand clothes for the children.

The young people we have supported through this project either live at the Centre or are still living on the streets. Some have been reintegrated into their families, but they are still our responsibility.

We give them a balanced diet including vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, milk, beans and yams, so that they are strong, active and healthy.

The children who live outside the centre come in the morning for breakfast before going to school and come back in the afternoon for lunch before going home, as they are not sure they will be able to eat every day in their own homes.

It was difficult for us to meet some of their needs, such as school supplies. Thanks to your donations, we were able to provide them with everything they needed to go to school (uniforms, shoes, school bags, exercise books, pencils, rulers, erasers).

The "Children of Courage" who were sick or injured have been given medicines and first aid. They are being treated for malaria and de-wormed to free their intestines from any form of pain, which will help to keep them free from disease and tetanus.

"A big thank you dear donors for your support!

Our young people, the school staff, the volunteers and all of us (five Daughters of Charity) were overwhelmed by the show of love they received. They appreciated your kindness towards them." Sr Josephine

Watch the children's joyful thanks: click here