“Why is the Kano State Government refusing to uphold the rights of orphans and vulnerable children like us? We seek answers and urgent action to address this grave injustice”.
BY JOSEPH SOLOMON TARFA
My name is Joseph Solomon Tarfa, and I am a final year student studying media and film production at the National Film Institute (NFI). Life was beautiful when I lived in Du Merci Orphanage. I was blessed to have a mother and father figure in my life, who taught me valuable life principles daily.
A Sudden Turn Of Events
In December 2019, the joint task force in Kano State took me and my siblings to a government orphanage home. There, we were deprived of our right to practice our chosen religion. As one of the eldest, I was offered incentives to convert from Christianity to Islam, including sponsorship for education abroad and marriage to a woman of their choice. I declined.
Holding On To Faith
My siblings and I continued to hold fellowship and prayer meetings in secret. As the senior children of Du Merci Orphanage, we made it our mission to protect and fight for the interests of our younger siblings during our stay in the government home.
A Tactical Release
When the government home officials realized they couldn’t break our bond and spirit, they released us senior children, while keeping the younger ones who couldn’t advocate for themselves.
Setbacks And Delays
Before the Kano State Government released us senior children of Du Merci, I observed that my siblings and I had fallen behind academically. The government home officials refused to register any of the Du Merci children for NECO exams, hindering our educational progress.
A Tale of Two Sisters
A stark example of this setback is the story of my sisters, Deborah and Mitchell Tarfa. Although they were once secondary school classmates, Mitchell is now pursuing a degree in Computer Science, while Deborah is only graduating from secondary school. This disparity highlights the significant educational delays caused by their stay in the government home.
Far-reaching Consequences
The government home’s actions have had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only our education but also our physical and emotional well-being. Our experiences have been marked by setbacks, delays, and uncertainty, underscoring the need for urgent attention and support.
A Call To Action
We urgently appeal to national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to intervene and help bring an end to our suffering. As I reflect on our situation, one question continues to haunt me:
Why Is Justice Denied?
Why is the Kano State Government refusing to uphold the rights of orphans and vulnerable children like us? We seek answers and urgent action to address this grave injustice.
Join Our Plea
We implore you to join us in advocating for our rights and demanding justice. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our voices are heard.
