In the heart of the Niger Delta, where the rivers weave through lush mangroves and the sun rises over scattered fishing boats, a different reality unfolds—one that many do not see. This is the world of the creek child, where life is shaped by the waters, yet constrained by struggles unseen by the outside world.
Welcome to Diary of a Creek Child, a blog and video series dedicated to telling the stories of children growing up in the remote Itsekiri creek communities of Delta State, Nigeria. Through their eyes, we will explore the beauty, challenges, and resilience that define their lives.
Why This Project Matters
Creek communities are rich in history and culture, but they also face harsh realities:
- Education remains a distant dream for many children due to the absence of schools or long treks through difficult terrain.
- Healthcare is scarce, with many families relying on traditional remedies or traveling long distances for medical care.
- Environmental devastation from oil spills and pollution has disrupted fishing and livelihoods, threatening the future of these communities.
- Cultural traditions are at risk as modernization encroaches upon indigenous ways of life.
Despite these challenges, these children dream, hope, and fight for a better future. Their stories deserve to be told.
What to Expect
Through a combination of real-life stories, historical insights, and expert perspectives, Diary of a Creek Child will:
- Share first-hand experiences of children and families navigating daily struggles.
- Highlight Itsekiri history and traditions to preserve and celebrate their heritage.
- Demonstrate the impact of neglect, environmental degradation, and poverty on these communities.
- Showcase stories of resilience, hope, and community-driven solutions that inspire action.
- Advocate for education, healthcare, and policy changes to improve lives.
Join the Journey
The Roli Mabo Foundation invites you to follow us on this series as we bring you closer to the lives of creek children—through their laughter, their tears, and their dreams. Every story we tell is a call to action, a reminder that these children are not forgotten.
Together, we can amplify their voices, spread awareness, and spark change.
The first episode launches April 2025
Follow us on social media, and subscribe on YouTube to get notified.
Let’s bring the world to the creeks—and the creeks to the world.