Children's Stories

Udoh (below) is one of the children at the CRARN childrens camp. His story is typical of many of those in the camp. Heres his story:

" I was often in trouble at home and my parents, brothers and sisters often beat me and told me that I was a wizard. One day my parents left me alone at home and i ate some food that was on the pot. When they came back and discovered this they were very mad and they dragged me to the forest to burn me. On the way we heard voices so they ran. I ran away to the market at Eket where I slept underneath the stalls. Many people asked me if I was a wizard. One day some youths came and told me that if I didn't confess to being a wizard they would kill me. I confessed so they beat me and beat me. I hated it at the market. One day Sam (the president of CRARN) came and took me back to the camp. I like it here at least I have food and shelter".

Udoh's case is similar to many of the cases of the children at the camp. What makes his case unique is that at some point during Udoh's regular beatings both of his humerus bones have been broken. One has decayed so badly that it has now breached the skin and protrudes from his arm. The wound was slowly going septic and he used to have to keep the flies away by wrapping it in toilet paper. CRARN last took the boy to hospital in November 2005 but couldn't continue the treatment due to their lack of funds.

With the assistance of Stepping Stones fantastic supporters, the required funds have now been raised and Udoh is now on the road to recovery.