In 2016, the world was moved by a photograph of Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Lovén giving water to a starving toddler in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The boy, later named Hope, had been abandoned by his family after being branded a witch and left to wander the streets.
Anja, alongside her husband, David Emmanuel Umem, quickly mobilized a rescue team after receiving a phone call about the child’s condition.
They brought him to the Children’s Education and Development Foundation, also known as Land of Hope, where his healing and transformation began.
Nearly a decade later, Hope’s story has taken yet another remarkable turn. In July 2025, he graduated from primary school with one of the highest grades in his class and will begin secondary school in September.
Anja shared the heartwarming update on Facebook on Monday, August 25, writing: “Hope survived. He graduated this year and starts secondary school next month.
“His story is world famous and every day I look at him and feel so grateful for his incredible development.”
She went on to describe the many talents and qualities that make Hope unique: “If you get to know Hope you are lucky because he is so very unique.
“Hope is deaf but despite that he is able to communicate using sign language. Hope graduated primary school with one of the highest grades.
“Not only is he very intelligent, he is a talented artist, an excellent dancer, he is very warm and caring and on top of that he has a great sense of humor.”
Anja also used the moment to highlight the plight of countless children who are not as fortunate as Hope.
“All the above makes me happy but some days it makes me think about the thousands of ‘Hope’s’ out there who we will never get to know. Never get to know because their lives are short. Once a child is accused of being a witch it’s the end. But we will never give up. It’s an uphill battle but with your support to Land of Hope we will continue to save lives.”
