Photo above: Members of Keren’s Safe Haven Foundation
Abuja, Nigeria: Keren’s Safe Haven Foundation marked the Christmas season with a humanitarian visit to Jesus Kids Home (JKS), where it shared gifts, food items, and goodwill with children living with special needs.
Jesus Kids Home is home to children with diverse disabilities, many of whom were abandoned by their parents because of their conditions. Others are orphans, while at least one child was brought to the facility by her widowed father, who could no longer cope alone following the death of his wife.
The outreach was organised by Keren’s Safe Haven Foundation, a child protection and advocacy organisation established in memory of Keren Happuch Aondoddoo Akpagher, a 14 year old girl who died on 22 June 2021 after she was allegedly raped while a boarding student at Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Keren’s mother and founder of the foundation, Mrs Vivien Vihimga Akpagher, said the outreach was inspired by the spirit of the season and a commitment to standing with vulnerable children.
“In the spirit of the season, we have come to share love with these special children and to appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of their caregivers,” she said.
She explained that the foundation’s mission goes beyond charity, focusing on prevention, empowerment, and accountability.
“We were set up to empower children with knowledge of what to do when they are under threat of sexual abuse or when abuse has already occurred,” she stated.
Reflecting on her daughter’s legacy, Mrs Akpagher said Keren’s compassion continues to shape the foundation’s work.
“Keren was kind and loving, and she would not want what happened to her to happen to any other child. That is why we established this foundation to empower children and other vulnerable persons, and to consistently task government on the need to create safe spaces for children and vulnerable members of society,” she added.
Also speaking during the visit, eminent media personality and human rights advocate, Lemmy Ughegbe, applauded the management and caregivers of Jesus Kids Home, describing their work as exceptional and deserving of public support.
He said the dedication of the caregivers reflected deep compassion and selflessness, and called on well meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations, and institutions to support the home in sustaining its services.
Dr Ughegbe further stated that Keren’s Safe Haven Foundation would continue to mobilise support for Jesus Kids Home to ensure that the children receive adequate care, protection, and opportunities for a dignified life.
Speaking on the ongoing Justice4Keren campaign, he said that despite what he described as a conspiracy of silence and prolonged inaction by government and relevant agencies, he remained committed to ensuring justice.
According to him, efforts would continue until those responsible for the rape and death of Keren are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He stressed that justice for Keren is not only about accountability but also about sending a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated in any society that values human dignity and the rule of law.
The visit ended with the presentation of gifts and words of encouragement to the children and staff, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to child safety, dignity, and care during a season associated with hope and renewal.