Back in January 2016, a moving photo of Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Lovén giving water to a weak, starving two-year-old boy in Akwa Ibom captured the world’s attention.

The child, later named Hope, had been rejected by his own family, accused of being a witch, and left to die.

For months, little Hope wandered the streets alone until Anja received a call about him. She and her husband, David Emmanuel Umem, quickly led a rescue team to bring the boy to the Children’s Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF), also called Land of Hope.

Despite being deaf and facing incredible hardships, Hope not only survived but also grew strong, defying the odds stacked against him.

In July 2025, Hope reached a major milestone—he graduated from primary school and will start secondary school in September.

Sharing the heartwarming news on Facebook on August 25, Anja revealed that Hope graduated with some of the highest grades in his class. She wrote, “Hope survived.

This year he graduated and will begin secondary school next month. His story is known around the world, and each day I am thankful for his incredible growth.”

She described Hope as a very unique boy. Even though he is deaf, he communicates effectively using sign language. Beyond academics, Hope is also a talented artist and dancer, has a warm heart, a good sense of humor, and brings joy to everyone around him.

While celebrating Hope’s success, Anja also reflected on the many children who are not as lucky. Many accused of witchcraft never survive or get the chance to be seen and loved.

She concluded by assuring that with support for Land of Hope, the mission to rescue and care for such vulnerable children will continue, no matter how difficult the challenge.