One Day, We Will See You Again
On April 14, 2014, 276 girls ages 16-18 were kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents from their school in Chibok, Nigeria. 57 of them courageously escaped on their own. 0 have been rescued and 219 remain in the hands of the world’s deadliest terrorist organization whose members force grown men to swallow bullets for breakfast and utilize women as detonating weapons of war. April 14, 2016 marked two years in captivity for the Chibok Girls. Yet, #HopeEndures. During the week of April 4, 2016, we had the honor of walking with the families of three of the abducted Chibok Girls in an effort to document their lives over the last two years without their daughters. We are honored that they have trusted us with their truth. The result is this photo essay entitled, ‘Letters to Our Daughters: #HopeEndures.’ It is comprised of photographs reflecting the hollow reality of life for mothers Esther Yakubu, Rebecca Samuel and Martha Enoch without their daughters, Dorcas, Sarah and Monica. The photographs are accompanied by excerpts from letters to their daughters that they have written, in their own words, to describe the gaping holes in their hearts and why, regardless, their unrelenting hope endures. The letters reflect unparalleled courage; unparalleled faith and prayers for a safe return.
We have stood with this cause over the last two years because it is one that matters. It matters because it is a reflection of what the world truly believes about the value of women and girls, particularly those of African descent. It matters because no girl should ever have to choose between her education and her life. It matters because 219 lives are far too many chapters in history that will remain unwritten if these girls are not rescued. We continue to fight for the Chibok Girls because having walked with and held space for several of these families over the last two years, giving up on their children, our children, is no longer an option. May our collective prayers be answered. #BringBackOurGirls #2YearsOnHopeEndures
Source: huffingtonpost.com
