“I was about four or five … I came here because I was accused of witchcraft and I was condemned by my family and my community.” – Sarah, aged 12
When Sarah was four years old, she was wrongly implicated in the deaths of fifteen people in her community, simply because she had a speech impediment.
In accordance with local customs in parts of northern Ghana, some people in Sarah's community believed the little girl to be a "spirit child". Under these customs, any child born with a disability or whose mother dies during their birth may be considered a bad omen, and their lives placed at risk. Many in Sarah's community, including her own family, became furious at her inability or unwillingness to speak and defend herself against the allegations, casting her out and threatening to kill her.
Thankfully, Sister Stan Therese Mumuni and the local Church was made aware of the imminent danger Sarah was in. Sister Stan recalls fighting—almost physically—to save Sarah from the most terrible fate and give her a new chance at life.
Sister Stan has dedicated the last decade to running the Nazareth Home for God’s Children in the Diocese of Yendi in Ghana, a haven where children like Sarah are given shelter, nutritious meals, healthcare and education as well as unconditional love.
The Nazareth Home for God’s Children is one of the many critical initiatives established by the Catholic Church in Ghana to save and nourish the lives of the country’s most vulnerable young people.
Children at the Nazareth Home for God’s Children have access to education both within the home and in local schools.
The Nazareth Home for God’s Children gives children an opportunity to learn and play together.
Some of the older children at the Nazareth Home for God’s Children help out with chores.
Children, regardless of ability, are given love and care at the Nazareth Home for God’s Children.
Sarah is now a caring and diligent young girl thanks to Sister Stan and the Nazareth Home for God’s Children.
At the Nazareth Home for God's Children the children receive quality education so that they may one day gain employment and provide for themselves. Sister Stan's dream is that they one day will return to their home community and show how the love and support of the Church has empowered them to develop and reach their goals.