Support the Launch of Stories Against Stigma

As of 2020, there are reportedly over 27 million Nigerians living with some form of disability. That's OVER 10% of the Nigerian population.

Persons with disabilities in Nigeria often experience negative attitudes at family and community levels, which include shaming, abuse, and misconceptions surrounding the causes of disabilities (usually associated with religious or cultural norms and beliefs). When it comes to children with disabilities, they are sometimes shockingly accused of being witches - as some believe that certain disabilities are considered evidence of witchcraft.

These negative attitudes manifest a sense of rejection, neglect, loss of respect, denial of self-worth, and often result in low self-esteem, depression, isolation, or suicide. Sometimes, persons with disabilities are murdered by their communities due to the fear of them bringing a curse to the family/community.

Nigeria is one country in this giant world. Stigma against persons with disabilities is only one type of stigma out of many, that people suffer with. This fundraiser is the start of a small group of people that wish to share the true stories of individuals who have suffered immensely due to the stigma they experienced in their everyday life.

We understand that stigma often comes from a lack of understanding or fear. However, regardless of someone's ability, race, gender, age, or illness, everyone deserves to be respected.

With Stories Against Stigma, we hope to bring across stories that address the stigma, educate people, and hopefully through increasing awareness start to create new conversations among all ages.

This fundraiser is specifically targeting the launch of the first of many stories. This story will come across in the form of a Children's Book - targeting the ages of 3-8.

This book is based on the true story of a girl named Faith, who suffers from a type of muscular dystrophy in a rural, impoverished area of Nigeria. Due to her disabilities, Faith has had to suffer through abuse and neglect from her own family and community. Faith's story is powerful and needs to be shared. Without Faith's consent and input into this story, this book would not be possible.

The hope is for enough books to be printed and sold after this fundraiser is complete to (1) directly support Faith with her current needs and dreams of attending university/college, and (2) to be able to create more stories/books that address different forms of stigma around the world.

We are hoping to raise $6,000 to create, print, and distribute this children's book .

We hope that this process will be able to be completed within a year from start to finish.

We understand that many people are struggling financially due to the current state of our economy. However, we want you to know that any amount helps - whether it's $5 or $100. Thank-you!

To read more details about Stories Against Stigma, or see different ways to donate, please check out our website - https://www.storiesagainststigma.ca/

To follow Stories Against Stigma on Instagram - check out https://www.instagram.com/stories_against_stigma/