A volunteer stands with a widow she served during a service project.
On October 12, 2024, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, in partnership with the Kunak Foundation, launched a one-day house-to-house clean-up and makeover initiative for widows and less privileged families in Kaduna, Kano, Kafanchan, Aduwan Gida, and Plateau State in Nigeria. Targeting over 50 homes, the initiative focused on transforming the physical and emotional well-being of marginalized individuals through cleaning, personal care, and support, bringing together community members to experience the GPF’s guiding principle: “One Family under God.”
The event was spearheaded by GPF Nigeria’s Country Director, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, and Kunak Foundation’s Executive Director, Barrister Bavoshia Nyan, along with a team of dedicated volunteers. This initiative engaged individuals across religious and ethnic divides, promoting interfaith unity and strengthening family bonds in an area with a history of ethno-religious diversity. Volunteers and staff participated in tasks such as house cleaning, laundry, and basic repairs while engaging with families on maintaining hygiene for improved health.
This practical support provided immediate relief to families and an opportunity for empowerment. Widows, who often face societal neglect, found renewed confidence and dignity through these interactions. Mrs. Angela Peter, a widow from Kaduna, shared that the support helped her feel seen and valued, reinforcing the message that “society is more peaceful when everyone feels cared for.” Another beneficiary, Mallama Hanatu Abdulkarim from Kano, expressed her gratitude, describing the makeover as a turning point in her self-esteem and outlook on personal hygiene.
Volunteers wash laundry alongside families in need.
Key outcomes of the initiative included a significant boost in community morale, interfaith understanding, and improved knowledge about the connection between cleanliness and health. For many, this was not just a day of receiving support but a moment of healing and newfound resilience. Rev. Hayab emphasized that peace is a journey that requires collective action and commitment, and initiatives like these are steps toward nurturing compassion within communities.
A volunteer distributes donations to widows and families in need.
Through our home makeover initiative, we are not only improving physical structures but also cultivating a sense of community and social responsibility with a more compassionate and peaceful world,” he said.
GPF and Kunak Foundation’s work reflects a sustainable model for fostering peace and compassion within communities, building on the shared values of cleanliness, family support, and service. Through such initiatives and tangible acts of kindness, we can break down barriers, uplift spirits, and contribute to a harmonious society, truly embodying the vision of “One Family under God.”
Learn more Nigeria | Global Peace Foundation
