When 25-year-old Lydia Emmanuel found herself abandoned, alone, and struggling to survive after giving birth via cesarean section, her dreams seemed out of reach. Left to fend for herself and her baby, Lydia faced unimaginable challenges, but she never gave up hope. In this heartfelt interview, she opens up about her past, her determination to provide a better future for her son, and her desire to learn a skill that will help her rebuild her life. At St. Magdalen Institute, stories like Lydia’s remind us why we do what we do: to restore dignity, create opportunity, and spark lasting change.
Interviewer: Hello ma, how are you doing today?
Lydia: I’m fine, sir.
Interviewer: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Lydia: My name is Emmanuel Lydia. I’m 25 years old.
Interviewer: Can you share your current situation and how it all started?
Lydia: Well, the person I got pregnant for abandoned me. He never came back, even when I gave birth through a cesarean section. I was completely alone, and the people who helped me at the hospital were strangers. I’ve tried to reach out to him several times, but he chased me away. The last time I went to see him, he beat me up. The scars from that day are still on my body.
Interviewer: That’s really heartbreaking. Would you be interested in going back to school?
Lydia: Ah, not for me. But I’d be very grateful if my son could be supported to go to school. Whatever level I couldn’t reach, I want him to achieve and even surpass. If I also get the chance to learn a skill, I’d be very happy.
Interviewer: If you’re given the opportunity to learn a vocation, how would you make use of it?
Lydia: I would be serious and focused. I want to be able to take good care of myself and my son. I don’t want to depend on anyone.
Interviewer: What class did you stop at in school?
Lydia: SS1.
Interviewer: Why didn’t you return to school after giving birth?
Lydia: There was no money, and nobody offered to help. At that time, I really wanted to go back to school, but I had no support.
Interviewer: What plans do you have for your son?
Lydia: I want him to go back to school and become someone great. I want him to be educated, even more than I ever was.
Interviewer: Don’t worry, ma. St. Magdalen Institute will equip you with the support and tools you need to achieve your dreams. That’s what we’re here for. We’ll contact you soon.
Lydia: God bless you. May God continue to help you so that you can keep helping people like us.
Interviewer: Amen.
Want to partner with us or support a woman’s second chance?
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Let’s be the hope someone is praying for.