Nigeria

Imo State, Nigeria

The country of Nigeria holds several startling statistical rankings

Nigeria ranks towards the bottom of the list for life expectancy with just 55.75 years; this ranks them at 190 out of 193 countries. As a comparison, the United States ranks 46th with an age of 79.11 years.

Nigeria comes in as the top-ranking country on the African continent as the most populated and with the highest aging population. In fact, Nigeria ranks 19th across the globe for a population aged 65 and older, with this population projecting to nearly triple by 2050.

However, the rise in older Nigerians is occurring amid many issues, including extreme poverty, unresolved development issues, socioeconomic inequality, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and a collapse in the country’s long-standing care system for and supporting the elderly. Older Nigerians and their families have a unique challenge due to the lack of a functioning national aging policy, safety net services and initiatives. Hands 4Life is eager to begin to assist in the fight for the protection of the aging population.

Hands 4Life Intergenerational Educational Campus

Hands 4Life has one intergenerational educational campus per nation. At the center of the campus is the intergenerational home where 14 orphaned children and 14 orphaned older adults are paired together and a unique new family blossoms. The seniors impart their wisdom to the child, and the child learns the importance of the commandment of honoring thy elders. We address ageism on both ends of the spectrum.Β 

Alexander Shewey Intergenerational Memorial Home

Hands 4Life has one intergenerational educational campus per nation. At the center of the campus is the intergenerational home where 14 orphaned children and 14 orphaned older adults are paired together and a unique new family blossoms. The seniors impart their wisdom to the child, and the child learns the importance of the commandment of honoring thy elders. We address ageism on both ends of the spectrum.Β 

Medical Clinic

On the campus is a small medical clinic. The clinic will be staffed by our medical missionaries, our nurse and local doctors. The clinic will serve our family members, staff, and the families in our community outreach program.

Church

The small chapel will be a place where the newly formed family sings praises to the Lord for all the blessings He has bestowed upon them.

Missionary Dorm

The short-term missionary dormitory will house up to 26 missionaries and have a private living quarters the missionary coordinator.Β 

H4L SPORTS

The H4L Sports Complex is designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and personal development among children and older adults. It provides a safe and engaging sports, recreation, and mentorship environment, encouraging community connections and holistic well-being. The complex encourages leadership, discipline, and healthy lifestyles through structured programs while supporting Hands 4Life’s mission of generational change and empowerment

Career Workshop

The children’s leadership and job skills education programs are designed to shape their future, providing them with essential skills and opportunities. The grandparents play a vital role in passing down their knowledge and craftsmanship to the children, giving them a sense of purpose and dignity.Β 

The mission of the children’s leadership training and job shadowing program is to equip them with the skills necessary to secure employment as they come of age, preventing assimilation into gangs and human trafficking. The vision is for the younger generation to Our goal is to drive generational change, promote economic growth, and empower nationals to sustain themselves using the best practices taught by Hands 4Life.

H4L FARM

H4L’s farm model revolutionizes agriculture by teaching sustainable farming practices and using technology to ensure food security. We focus on training entrepreneurs in aquaponics, poultry, beekeeping, and other forms of agriculture. These entrepreneurs, equipped with knowledge and funding, launch their own farming ventures.

Over three years, we mentor and monitor them, ensuring the success of their businesses.

Each entrepreneur must save a portion of their profits to fund the next entrepreneur, creating a “pay it forward” cycle that sustains growth. Additionally, when a family joins the H4L Farm project, part of their mentorship includes β€œadopting” a Hands 4Life grandparent within their community. This relationship builds a new, intergenerational family bond, where they can experience life together, creating a foundation of care,
love, and mutual support.

How To Get Involved