Our Story
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela
Girls and children with disabilities are deprived of their rights, feel discriminated against and often lack hope for the future. Societies are clearly not doing enough to realize the most basic human rights of all children. As a result, the vicious cycle of exclusion and disadvantage continues. Imagine a childhood shrouded in stigma. Noel, our founder, once labeled with ADHD and learning disabilities, felt ostracized and misunderstood. This experience ignited a burning passion within him: no child with a disability should ever be left behind.
HOPE Africa emerged from the personal journey of its founder, Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, whose own struggle with ADHD ignited a deep realization about the inequality and inequities faced by many children with disabilities. Having navigated his own path to wellness and growth over several years, Noel recognized a critical gap in support for his fellow brothers and sisters, and other children whom he was like at some point in life. In 2013, he took the courageous step of establishing Hope for African Children, driven by a conviction that the discrimination surrounding disability in Africa needed to be shattered.
In 2013, Noel started HOPE as a movement for equal access. Driven by the belief in a world where all children thrive, Noel aimed to empower families and communities so they can change unjust systems and create equitable and inclusive societies where all children can thrive.
HOPE didn’t stop there. In 2018, it became a registered non-profit organization in Nigeria, championing access to education, health, sports, and well-being for women, girls, and children with disabilities. Based on our persistent advocacy work and commitment to expansion, HOPE was registered as a 501(c)3 organization in the United States, and currently has presence in 13 African countries and US.
But HOPE is more than an organization. It’s a collaborative force. Since 2012, we’ve joined hands with families, practitioners, civil society organizations and governments. Our programs seamlessly integrate into existing education and health structures, while empowering local communities. We leverage data and technology to maximize results, ensuring the well-being of children and the communities we serve.
This is our story. A story born from a personal struggle, driven by a relentless pursuit of equality. While bridging this gap, we’re working to transform the continent’s inclusion system and improve outcomes for the millions of girls, children and families it impacts every year. We partner with leaders, families and practitioners across Africa to create and implement disruptive, scalable solutions to reduce barriers, improve learning outcomes, equitable healthcare access, trauma-informed care, sports and equal opportunities for all children.
Led by Our Values
Collaboration
Inclusion
Community-centered
System-driven
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