My Hope and Vision for the African Child —
Isaac Aju talks with Nigerian poet, Girl Child Advocate and Preacher, Vickie Nweke.
Hello, Vickie Nweke, it’s a huge honor to have you on Words Not Yet Spoken. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
It is a privilege to be here. My name is Vickie Nweke, a Christian teacher, writer, and a passionate student of the Bible. I have a burden to communicate God’s truth in a way that is faithful to the scripture and practical for everyday life. My passion is to help people, especially parents and families, understand God’s word and apply it in raising a generation that knows, loves, and serves Christ. I enjoy studying Biblical theology, paying close attention to the original languages and the historical contexts of scripture, while presenting these truths in simple and clear English.
I was present as a volunteer in your last seminar which was organized for teenagers, and I deeply love the social work you do. Please elaborate for our readers what the initiative is about.
It means a lot to know that the seminar made a positive impact. The initiative was born out of a simple but urgent concern: many teenagers today are growing up with access to information but without enough guidance, mentorship, and moral direction. I hope to bridge that gap by creating a safe and engaging environment where young people can learn, ask questions, and be equipped for life. Our seminars focus on character development, leadership, discovery of purpose, healthy relationships, academic excellence, digital responsibility and Christian values. We also address real life issues such as peer pressure, self esteem, identity, sexual purity, and making wise decisions. Rather than merely giving lectures, we encourage open conversations that allow teenagers to express themselves and receive practical, Biblical guidance.
When did you conceive the idea for the initiative, and what moved you to act on it?
The vision for this initiative did not come overnight. It grew over several years as I observed the challenges many teenagers, especially girls, were facing. At the same time, I noticed that many parents genuinely wanted the best for their children but often lacked the guidance or opportunities to have meaningful conversations with them. What moved me to act was the conviction that waiting until young people become adults is often too late. My Christian faith has also been a strong motivation. I believe that every young person is created by God with unique gifts and for a purpose. That belief inspires me to create platforms where they can be encouraged, mentored, and equipped to become responsible, confident, and compassionate leaders. Seeing lives transformed, one teenager at a time, continues to remind me that this work is both necessary and worthwhile.
You are passionate about education and books, can you tell us a little about your background, the things you have done or achieved in regards to education?
Education has always been very important to me because I believe it is one of the greatest tools for personal growth and nation-building. I have intentionally pursued both formal education and personal development to better equip myself for service. I have invested in theological studies, Biblical research, and leadership development, with a special interest in Christian education, parenting, and the development of young people.
Your beautiful poem recently appeared in Words Not Yet Spoken, and I loved it so much. How did the poem come to you?
For me, poetry is often born from quiet moments of reflection. Sometimes it begins with an experience, a conversation, a passage of scripture, or something I observe in the society that stirs my heart. I don’t usually sit down with the intention of writing of a poem. Instead, the words come as I reflect deeply on life, faith, hope, and the human experience. This particular poem, “More Than What The Eyes Have Pinned”, came from a desire to give voice to emotions and truths that many people feel but often struggle to express. As the ideas unfolded, I simply allowed the words to flow naturally, carefully shaping them into a piece that would not only be beautiful but also meaningful and thought-provoking. I believe poetry has the power to touch hearts in ways ordinary conversations sometimes cannot. If even one reader finds hope, comfort, or inspiration through my words, then I consider the poem to have fulfilled its purpose.
You’ve raised sons who are doing well in their different fields, and a story you shared during the seminar reminded me of Ben Carson’s mother and her sons. When her sons were failing in school, she made sure to cut down the children’s play time and forced them to read books. What do you think is the reason why many parents of today are no longer deeply interested in intentional parenting?
Thank you for the comparison. I have great respect for parents who intentionally invest in the lives of their children. While every family’s journey is different, I believe one principle remains constant: children rarely become responsible adults by accident. They become responsible because someone intentionally guides, corrects, encourages, and models the values they need. One of the reasons many parents today struggle with intentional parenting is the fast pace of modern life. In many homes, devices have replaced conversations. Entertainment has replaced mentorship.
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Another reason is that some parents mistake providing for their children’s physical needs for fulfilling all their parental responsibilities. Ben Carson’s story reminds us that one parent’s commitment can change the future of an entire family.
Dr James Nweke often mentions your impact in raising him. He’s a man I’ve come to deeply respect over the months I started following him. What do you think about his great teaching prowess and the other wonderful projects he does to elevate the Nigerian youth?
As a mother, there is no greater joy than seeing your child grow into someone who is committed to serving God and making a meaningful contribution to the society. I am grateful for what Dr James Nweke is doing through his teaching in the church (Stir Up Church), his writing, and various initiatives. My prayer is that his work will keep imparting lives both within Nigeria and beyond.
What is the difference between Sure help Parenting Initiative and Sure help Christian Center?
Although they are connected by the same vision of transforming lives, they serve different purposes. Sure Help Parenting Initiative is a nonprofit, community based organization dedicated to strengthening families through parenting education, mentorship, seminars, and advocacy for children and teenagers, especially the Girl Child.
Sure Help Christian Center, on the other hand, is a faith-based ministry whose primary focus is spiritual growth. It exists to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach the scriptures faithfully, disciple believers, and nurture people in their relationship with God.
What advice do you have for every young person out there who is confused and directionless?
My advice is simple: do not lose hope.
Do not rush your journey because of someone else’s success. Confusion is not the end of your story. For many people, it is the beginning of discovering who they were made to be. Take time to know yourself. Invest in learning, read good books, seek wise mentors, develope useful skills, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow.
What is your hope and vision for the African Child?
It is to see every African child grow up believing that their circumstances do not define their destiny.
I dream of an Africa where children are not limited by poverty, conflicts, or poor leadership, but are empowered through education, strong families, and positive mentorship.
I want to see African children who can think critically, read widely, lead with integrity, and use their talents to solve the challenges facing our continent.
