Changing the narrative for children working as domestic servants in return for schooling and accommodation.

In government schools in Jos many of the children are from the Hausa ethnic group. They are not living with their parents. Instead they are living with grandparents, or wealthy relatives and providing free domestic services in return for schooling.

“Many are unhappy. They are not part of loving families, are treated badly and some suffer significant abuse,” said international coordinator Tassie Ghata.

“They feel they have no control over what happens to them, their lives are oppressive and they don’t have futures.”

Jos volunteer team members encourage the students by explaining that they are able to change the story of their futures; that where they are now is not the end of their lives even though it feels like it.

“We share this practically through the story of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers and rose to become the second most important person in Egypt after Pharaoh.

“We call on Christian families to treat any young people they have living with them as well as they treat their own children.”

During May and June the Jos volunteer team visited one government secondary school where domestic servitude was an issue for many of the pupils. Here they shared the gospel of social righteousness with 265 students. Of these, 88 chose to be tested for HIV/ AIDS, no students tested positive.

Sixty-eight students rededicated their lives to Christ, and another 30 made a first Christian commitment.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for:

• Students living as domestic servants with family members, that they will be included with love and affection
• Students will see they have futures despite their current circumstances
• Students who made a first commitment or recommitted their lives, that they will grow in maturity and relationship with Jesus Christ.