faithhasfeet

The first 100 days of Pope Leo XIV — A threshold of transformation or more of the same?

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:50:16 GMT

When Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013, he was hailed as a reformer. He opened conversations about mercy, environmental justice, and poverty. Yet for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, which includes me - his papacy was marked by contradiction — moments of hope undercut by institutional protectionism and silence.

It meant his successor took office with much to do on this most crucial of issues for the Roman Catholic Church.

So, Pope Leo XIV crosses the symbolic threshold of his first 100 days, the question is not whether reform is possible—but whether there are already signs it is being pursued with conviction, urgency, and survivor-led leadership.

Pope Leo papacy has begun with deep listening and a stronger tone of moral urgency. His decision to meet personally with the Peruvian journalists who exposed the abuses within the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae sent a clear message: the Church must honor the role of truth-telling, even when it is uncomfortable. For too long, journalists who shed light on clerical abuse were treated as adversaries rather than allies. Pope Leo’s public praise of their courage suggests a shift — from institutional defensiveness to a more transparent posture rooted in accountability.

Some hoped that the appointment of a new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors would be filled by a survivor or a lay expert independent of the clerical structure. The appointment of a French bishop, Thibault Verny, with experience in safeguarding and pastoral care nonetheless signals that Pope Leo is seeking to stabilize and professionalize the Commission after years of uncertainty and internal tension. Its effectiveness will ultimately depend on whether it is granted real independence, survivor engagement, and teeth to enforce reforms globally.

On the topic of clerical life, Pope Leo has reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to priestly celibacy , calling on priests and bishops to “recommit with integrity and inner freedom” to their vows. But such declarations, while aimed at spiritual renewal, risk missing the mark if they’re not paired with systemic reform. Sexual abuse is not caused by celibacy, but by power, secrecy, and impunity. Without confronting those structures directly, moral exhortations may ring hollow.

In a message to Catholics in Chicago, directed especially at young people , the Pope has urged them to become “beacons of hope” as they are “the promise of hope for so many of us.” He has emphasized the Church’s moral duty to protect children everywhere and framed peace and dialogue as not just diplomatic goals, but as spiritual and ethical imperatives. In a world torn by war, inequality, suffering and mistrust, his words resonate, but will it be enough?

It’s too early to say whether Pope Leo XIV will deliver the structural reforms, survivor-led justice, and global transparency that so many have long demanded. But this moment does feel different.

What sets Pope Leo apart, at least so far, is his insistence that the Church’s response must not be a strategy—it must be a conversion. His words and gestures hint at a new direction and signal a deeper awareness of the urgency survivors, youth and the faithful have long voiced. But it will take more than public statements and symbolic appointments to make a difference. It will take bold action.

The Pope must meet survivors publicly across regions and establish global, independent truth and safeguarding commissions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, led by survivors.

He must immediately remove bishops who covered up abuse.

Bishops' conferences must be empowered with mandatory safeguarding audits and reporting standards.

There must be strict enforcement of safeguarding protocols at every level of the Church.

Canon law must be updated to codify zero tolerance and mandate reporting to civil authorities and full transparency in Vatican records.

The culture of clericalism that has shielded predators for decades must be dismantled and lay survivor leadership elevated in Church reform.

Most of all, it will take courage — the moral courage to confront not only the centuries of tradition in the Catholic hierarchy that have caused harm, but the systems that have failed children, survivors and Catholics for generations.

"Pope Leo XIV’s first 100 days hold promise for a turning point in Church leadership. If he acts decisively, he has the potential to be the first Pope to put healing, justice, and prevention at the true center of the Church’s global mission. The Church stands at a threshold: move forward with integrity, or fall further into irrelevance and mistrust."

The world is watching the next 100 days and the years ahead, not only for words, but for transformation.

Click here to see full article.

Beyond Limits: How Dr. Denise Nura Loy Buchanan Inspires You to Be Your Best Self

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:08:57 GMT

Dr. Denise Nura Loy Buchanan is an innovator of transformation, offering a profound methodology that reimagines what it means to live a life of purpose and depth. Her journey—from landscape designer to psychoneurologist and a sought-after speaker—has forged a unique approach that dismantles conventional definitions of potential and pushes the boundaries of personal evolution. For Dr. Buchanan, growth is not about linear improvement; it’s about cultivating a life that reflects the richest, most complex layers of who we are and can become.

Drawing deeply from the rhythms of nature, Dr. Buchanan has developed an approach that sees each person as an ecosystem in motion, a dynamic landscape that evolves with every experience, challenge, and triumph. She inspires individuals to view their obstacles as integral forces that shape, rather than limit, their potential. Just as nature’s elements create resilience in the landscapes they shape, Dr. Buchanan’s teachings cultivate a fierce self-awareness that transforms life’s challenges into the foundation for an authentic and powerful existence.

At the core of Dr. Buchanan’s philosophy is an unshakeable belief in individuality as the source of true strength. In a culture obsessed with benchmarks and comparisons, she encourages us to step outside the template, guiding us to embrace the unpolished edges of our identities as essential facets of our power. By shifting focus away from societal metrics and toward self-defined values, her teachings release individuals from the restrictions of conformity, awakening a vibrant, unapologetic sense of self. That is why she created " Faith Has Feet ”, an organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping youth and community leaders to create a more inclusive and thriving world for all.

Dr. Buchanan’s own life is a testament to radical reinvention. Leaving the predictable paths of journalism and landscape design, she pursued psychoneurology—a discipline that combines psychology and neurobiology with a focus on human potential. Her career exemplifies a commitment to limitless exploration and reveals that profound transformation is not only possible but essential at every stage of life. Her journey speaks to those who feel confined by their circumstances, demonstrating that life’s most impactful chapters are often those we dare to write ourselves.

More than just a teacher, Dr. Buchanan is an advocate for holistic, interconnected growth. She believes that personal transformation is not isolated; it resonates through our relationships and our environments, creating a web of influence that extends beyond the self. Her approach sees connection as an active, living force that amplifies our growth, with our communities and the natural world as co-creators in our journey. This unique perspective on interdependence redefines transformation as both an individual and collective phenomenon, where every relationship becomes a mirror reflecting facets of our potential.

Rejecting superficial methods of “quick-fix” self-help, Dr. Buchanan insists on a rigorous and courageous journey of self-exploration, a process that is both demanding and exhilarating. For those prepared to confront their inner worlds with honesty and tenacity, her approach provides a transformative path, revealing hidden dimensions of resilience and purpose. This work is a call to engage with our full capacity for growth, inviting us to continuously uncover deeper layers of meaning and insight.

Dr. Buchanan’s philosophy isn’t merely inspirational; it’s catalytic. She reshapes the concept of self-fulfillment into an art of continual reinvention, where transformation becomes a powerful expression of agency and purpose. Her approach is a rallying cry for those who seek more than just incremental change—it’s a call to craft a life of profound substance and unbounded possibility. In Dr. Buchanan’s vision, personal growth is not an endpoint but a lifelong voyage into the extraordinary, illuminating pathways to a purpose-driven, impactful existence.

Be Unstoppable, Be Uplifting, Be Unforgettable: Embrace Transformation with Dr. Denise Nura Loy Buchanan

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:04:53 GMT

Personal transformation transcends mere goal-setting; it’s an art of unlocking potential, fueled by purpose, resilience, and a vision of lasting impact. Dr. Denise Nura Loy Buchanan —celebrated thought leader, author, and transformative coach —invites us to step boldly into this journey of self-discovery and growth. With a distinctive approach that harmonizes nature, psychology, and spirituality, Dr. Denise has dedicated her life’s work to empowering individuals to reach beyond limitations and craft lives filled with purpose, strength, and legacy.

Be Unstoppable: Resilience as a Catalyst for Growth

Life’s storms test our spirit, but resilience transforms these tests into triumphs. Dr. Denise teaches that resilience is more than recovery; it’s a mindset that sees every challenge as an opportunity to evolve. She emphasizes that by embracing setbacks, we forge strength and adaptability. When resilience becomes second nature, obstacles become stepping stones, propelling us toward greater achievements. It’s this inner fortitude that enables us to meet life head-on, equipped to shape our path forward no matter the circumstances.

Be Uplifting: Elevate Others and Strengthen Your Own Journey

True growth radiates outward, lighting the path for others along the way. Dr. Denise champions the idea that the highest form of success lies in uplifting others as we elevate ourselves. A small gesture of support or a moment of genuine listening can spark transformation for those around us. This ripple effect not only strengthens connections but also amplifies our own personal journey. The act of uplifting isn’t a detour from self-development—it’s an essential pathway that enriches our growth and creates a powerful network of collective resilience.

Be Unforgettable: Building a Legacy of Lasting Impact

To be unforgettable is to live with purpose and leave a mark that speaks louder than words. Dr. Buchanan encourages us to consider our legacy not as a far-off aspiration but as a series of intentional actions that shape the lives we touch daily. True impact stems from our values, our kindness, and our unwavering commitment to positively influence those around us. Dr. Denise reminds us that even small, consistent acts of purpose resonate across time, creating a legacy of compassion and integrity that endures.

Embrace Transformation: The Power of Beginning Anew

Transformation waits for no perfect moment—it’s always within reach. Dr. Denise inspires us to break free from the confines of past choices and embrace the infinite potential of each new day. Transformation is a dynamic, lifelong journey that flourishes as we seek new passions, heal old wounds, and discover deeper purpose. The courage to take that first step, no matter how small, opens the door to boundless possibilities.

Live with Purpose and Craft a Life That Endures

Dr. Denise Nura Loy Buchanan’s vision of personal transformation challenges us to be unstoppable, uplifting, and unforgettable. Embracing resilience, supporting others, and building a meaningful legacy enables us to live each day with intention and impact.

That is why she created " Faith Has Feet ", A human rights organisation committed to safeguarding children to leave a legacy of empowered and thriving youth leaders.

As you embark on your own journey of growth, remember that the power to shape your life—and inspire others to do the same—is within your grasp. Start today, and forge a path defined by purpose, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to leave an enduring mark on the world.

The time for transformation is now.

Why the G7 must prioritize childhood sexual violence: A survivor’s call from Jamaica to the world

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:18:42 GMT

Denise Buchanan, Ph.D. , Founder, Faith Has Feet and Member of the Brave Movement

As a Jamaican survivor of clergy sexual abuse, I write this not only from the place of deep personal pain, but from a position of global purpose. I am the Founder and CEO of Faith Has Feet, an international organization on a mission to create community-based solutions that combine grassroots advocacy, survivor leadership, and policy reform to safeguard children from sexual violence wherever they may live, learn, or worship. We are not only advocating but building avenues to justice, healing, and protection for every child. To date, we have 12,000 youth engaged in Nigeria on a mission to heal and end childhood sexual violence.

World leaders will gather in Canada for the 2025 G7 Summit this June, amid immense global uncertainty. The agenda includes critical global priorities: peace and security, economic stability, climate change, digital transformation, and democracy. And yet, absent from this list is one of the most pervasive and devastating human rights violations of our time: child sexual violence. SEE MORE HERE

A Pope Who Rejects Sexual Violence

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:17:25 GMT

I know that the Roman Catholic Church has failed historically to prevent and to root out child sexual violence within its own ranks. I am a Jamaican survivor of such abuse by a priest.

Francis spent much of his papacy issuing apologies for clerical sex abuse . His successor must do more.

The 135 cardinal electors must ensure the church’s next leader is committed to a public position of zero tolerance of abuse by any of its members.

Though a 2021 update to canon law declared sexual abuse criminal and not merely a moral offense, it only imposes certain penalties “where the case calls for it.” The next pope must update canon law to adopt a zero-tolerance law given that sexual abuse is a grave crime against the life, dignity and freedom of victims. It must be applied without exception, and in sexual abuse cases, the church must release sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with these rules.

He must establish an independent compliance agency to investigate, document and publicly identify people of authority in the church who contributed — through their negligence or intentional acts — to concealing abusive priests.

This conclave must select a new pope with the commitment — and the record — to show he has never and will never tolerate the abuse of children within the church, nor the secrecy that enabled it.

We need more than apologies; we need change.

Read the full article here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/05/06/francis-catholics-pope-trump-ai-vance/

Denise Buchanan, PhD. , Los AngelesThe writer is the CEO, Faith Has Feet, and a member of the Brave Movement.

Survivors of Sexual Abuse Can Still Hope—But the Vatican Must Choose Justice Over Denial

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:12:01 GMT

Published in Ms. Magazine 5/29/2025 By Denise Buchanan, Ph.D., a Jamaican survivor of clergy sexual abuse and international advocate for child protection and trauma recovery. She is the CEO of Faith Has Feet, co-founder of ECA: Ending Clergy Abuse , a Global Justice Project and member of The Brave Movement

When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 9, 2025, survivors of clergy sexual abuse around the world looked on—not with awe, but with apprehension.

His election, rather than ushering in an era of accountability and healing, has reopened wounds. Many had hoped for a papacy rooted in reckoning, but instead, we have received familiar deflections—denials of personal responsibility for cases that unfolded under his leadership in past roles. Rather than acknowledging institutional failures or the human suffering caused, he has opted for self-preservation over repentance, speaking in guarded tones that prioritize the Church’s reputation over the voices of its most wounded.

Yet, paradoxically, survivors must hold on to hope—not because of what has been said, but because of what remains possible. Hope is not passive. It is the fuel of the faithful and the force behind every justice movement. And while Vatican pronouncements remain cautious, the Church no longer operates in the secrecy of past centuries. Civil investigations are advancing. Lay Catholics are mobilizing. Survivors are organizing, speaking truths that no papal statement can silence.

We must not forget: The clergy abuse crisis is not just a moral failing of individuals—it is a structural crisis fueled by clericalism, secrecy and misplaced loyalties. The solution requires more than denials and vague assurances. It demands humility, transparency and systemic reform. MORE HERE IN MS. MAGAZINE

An Open Letter to Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of His Meeting with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:01:54 GMT

Your Holiness Pope Leo XIV,

Today, as you meet with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, I write to you not only as a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, but as one voice among thousands who have endured profound suffering and who are working tirelessly to ensure no child ever endures what we did.

I am a Jamaican woman of Nigerian ancestry, and the founder of Faith Has Feet, a global faith-based organization devoted to safeguarding children and empowering survivors. Over the past eight years, many of us have helped build a global network of survivors and advocates across the world—people who are united by pain, resilience, and an unshakable determination to ensure justice and prevention.

But this work cannot advance without your leadership. And leadership, in this moment, demands listening.

The time has come for the Church to make a decisive shift: survivors must no longer be excluded from the rooms where decisions about safeguarding are made. Although there may be a few survivors on the Pontifical Commission, the question must be asked—how can the Commission be effective in preventing clergy abuse without listening directly to those who are still muted and in pain working for years seeing no pathway for justice?

Survivors in regions such as Africa and across the Diaspora have been especially marginalized. Our experiences, our perspectives, and our wisdom are too often silenced. Yet it is in these very places that clergy abuse has gone unacknowledged, hidden beneath layers of secrecy and shame.

Your Holiness, if you are serious about protecting minors and restoring the moral credibility of the Church, you must:

Meet with Survivors Directly – not only from the Global North, but from across the Global South and the Diaspora. Our perspectives are indispensable.
Update Canon Law to Include a Universal Zero-Tolerance Law – recognizing sexual abuse as a grave crime against life, dignity, and freedom. Enforcement must be consistent and transparent.
Establish an Independent Global Survivor Council – with the authority to investigate, document, and publicly identify those within the Church who, through negligence or intentional acts, concealed abuse or enabled abusers.
Ensure Compliance Through Oversight – granting the Survivor Council true enforcement power to monitor how zero-tolerance is applied in every diocese.

This is a pivotal moment. You have the opportunity to lead the Church into an era of bold transparency, meaningful accountability, and survivor-centered justice. Will you rise to that calling? Will you direct the Pontifical Commission to open the door to this level of engagement and inclusion?

The world is watching. Survivors everywhere are waiting—not simply to be acknowledged, but to be included as partners in building a Church where the safety and dignity of children come before all else.

With hope, urgency, and in solidarity,

Denise Buchanan, PhD , Survivor of Clergy Sexual Abuse, Founder, Faith Has Feet, Jamaican-Nigerian Advocate for Global Survivor Justice, Member of the IADC Pontifical Gregorian University IADC Advisory Committee and Member of the Brave Movement

Take It Down Act

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:54:46 GMT

Today I witnessed the signing of the Take It Down Act. It is not just legislation, it was a national reckoning with the digital expoitation of our children and it was a profoundly personal moment—a victory for every survivor whose voice was once silenced by shame and fear. For Ben Holman and I, who were invited as Members of the Brave Movement, this law represents more than legislation—it’s a declaration that in the digital age, dignity, safety, and justice are not optional; they are essential. First lady Melania Trump, who championed the legislation, said, "This legislation is a powerful step forward in our efforts to ensure that every American, especially young people, can feel better protected from their image or identity being abused through nonconsensual, intimate imagery," she said at the ceremony. "Artificial Intelligence and social media are the digital candy for the next generation — sweet, addictive and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children, but unlike sugar, these new technologies can be weaponized, shape beliefs and, sadly, affect emotions and even be deadly." READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Thank you #BraveMovement �� and all survivors and advocates fighting to end childhood sexual abuse and exploitation.

Your...our voice matters.... �� #safety #children #RAINN #EnoughisEnough #FaithHasFeet #TedCruz #MelaniaTrump

Consult With Survivors

Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:22 GMT

Welcoming everyone in dialogue and love.

I, and many other survivors of child sexual violence by priests, accept this invitation. We have already crafted a “zero-tolerance law” alongside canon lawyers. The next crucial step is for Leo to include survivors in discussions that will accelerate a way forward. A Global Survivor Council, with the authority to oversee and enforce compliance with the zero-tolerance law, would be a profound indicator that the church is ready to confront this clergy abuse crisis with genuine accountability.

The track record of the U.S.-born pope is an indication of the level-setting and leadership that he will take into the forward momentum of the church — one that we hope prioritizes justice over reputation. Survivors have the ability to forgive missteps of the past; however, there must be a trajectory toward healing and justice for those harmed. Leo’s words, “God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail,” set the tone for his papacy. Survivors now look with expectation that the pope will ensure the evil of clergy sexual abuse will no longer prevail.

Leo has an opportunity to lead the church into an era of unwavering transparency, accountability and survivor-centered justice. Will he rise to the challenge? The world is watching. Survivors everywhere are waiting. #bravemovement #faith_has_feet #PopeLeoXIV #Survivors #bebrave

Read the story here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/05/08/american-pope-letters-leo-xiv-robert-prevost/

How legislative and policy reform can protect children from sexual violence in religious spaces

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:27:14 GMT

On 26 January 2024, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) took a historic step by calling for the recognition of abuse in institutions across Europe (Resolution 2533).

The decision highlighted the necessity for thorough reparation for all types of violence against children, such as sexual abuse, physical violence, and mistreatment in various institutions. Contributions from 22,285 victims and survivors worldwide, shared through the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey, supported the case for this significant decision.

At Faith Has Feet , we believe that safe environments for our children, whether in churches or other spaces, requires everyone's involvement. Leaders will not hold themselves accountable, so it is our responsibility to do so, and I invite you to embrace this mandate.

Taking Action: Transforming Belief into Impact

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:41:57 GMT

Having faith is a powerful force, but true impact comes from turning belief into action. FAITH HAS FEET is an organization dedicated to doing just that—mobilizing communities and individuals to create tangible change where it's needed most.

A Mission Rooted in Action

We believe that hope alone isn’t enough—it must be activated through meaningful initiatives. The organization drives transformation by addressing critical areas such as education, entrepreneurship, food security, social justice, and community building, ensuring that faith is more than just words—it becomes movement.

Empowerment Through Education & Entrepreneurship

Education is the foundation for opportunity, yet many face barriers to learning. FAITH HAS FEET safeguards education, providing students with resources, mentorship, and a pathway to success. Through entrepreneurship programs, individuals gain tools to build sustainable businesses, fostering self-reliance and long-term financial stability.

Combating Food Insecurity & Advocating for Justice

Access to food should never be uncertain. FAITH HAS FEET leads initiatives to combat food insecurity, ensuring families receive essential nutrition. Beyond direction in meeting physical needs, the organization also champions social justice, advocating for equity, fairness, and systemic change to uplift marginalized communities.

Strengthening Communities & Inspiring Change

True transformation doesn’t happen in isolation—it thrives in connected communities. FAITH HAS FEET nurtures relationships and networks, providing spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and support each other. By fostering resilience and leadership, the movement inspires people to take action, not just for themselves, but for the world around them.

Our mission at Faith Has Feet proves that belief is more than an idea—it’s a commitment to change. Through our initiatives, individuals don’t just hold onto hope; they build, lead, and create new possibilities. Because faith is strongest when it moves.

Faith in Action. How FAITH HAS FEET is Changing Lives

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:30:49 GMT

In a world where community needs continue to grow, organizations that prioritize action over words become pillars of hope and change. FAITH HAS FEET is one such organization—a movement dedicated to transforming lives through education, entrepreneurship, food security, social justice advocacy, and community building.

Empowering Through Education

Education is the foundation of opportunity, yet countless individuals face barriers to accessing quality learning. FAITH HAS FEET is committed to safeguarding education, ensuring that students—regardless of their circumstances—receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

Fueling Dreams Through Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is more than just starting businesses—it’s about fostering independence and economic resilience. FAITH HAS FEET provides hands-on mentorship and resources to individuals striving to launch their own ventures, empowering them to break cycles of poverty and create sustainable livelihoods.

Combating Food Insecurity

No person should have to choose between rent and their next meal. FAITH HAS FEET tackles food insecurity head-on by organizing meal programs, connecting families with essential resources, and advocating for long-term solutions that make food access equitable.

Championing Social Justice

True change requires advocacy, and FAITH HAS FEET doesn’t shy away from fighting for justice. Whether addressing systemic inequalities, supporting marginalized communities, or amplifying the voices of those unheard, this organization stands firm in its commitment to equity and fairness.

Strengthening Community Bonds

More than programs and initiatives, FAITH HAS FEET fosters belonging. By organizing events, creating safe spaces, and encouraging meaningful connections, they remind us that strong communities are built on collaboration, compassion, and active participation.

FAITH HAS FEET is proving that faith isn’t just belief—it’s action. Through their unwavering dedication, they’re not just addressing issues; they’re reshaping futures.

Want to be part of the movement? Get involved today and help put faith into motion!

DONATE HERE

First Youth: Empowered to Lead. Making a Difference Together in Nigeria

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:52:24 GMT

Why Now

Africa holds the world’s largest youth population—and Nigeria is at the center. With over 118 million children, the future of the continent will be defined by how we invest in and protect its youngest generation. Yet, a national survey reveals that 6 in 10 Nigerian children experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence before the age of 18. The harm often comes not just from individuals, but from institutions: schools, churches, and care homes meant to serve and protect. This crisis is compounded by cultural silence, underreporting, and the lack of trauma-informed systems. Many survivors are left without justice or healing, and cycles of abuse continue unchecked. Without a radical shift in how we respond to violence against children, the trauma of today will shape the reality of tomorrow.

But we are not starting from scratch. Across Nigeria, a new generation is already organizing—survivors are sharing their stories, youth are mobilizing, and communities are demanding better. Now is the time to channel this momentum into a national, coordinated effort that centers survivors, empowers youth, and transforms institutions.

The First Youth Initiative will do just that: bridge local wisdom and global strategy to end violence against children through trauma-informed care, legislative advocacy, and youth-led empowerment. Nigeria is not just a geographic anchor—it is a spiritual one. As a gateway to West Africa, Nigeria holds deep ancestral memory from the transatlantic slave trade. Across the diaspora, children have faced systemic violence, from colonial exploitation to modern-day institutional abuse. By empowering youth, through the First Youth Initiative, we are reclaiming Nigeria as a center for global healing - a place where survivors find justice, cycles of trauma end and prevention becomes a collective mission, transforming generations.

Faith Has Feet is a non-profit organization that is deeply committed to empowering young individuals and making a tangible difference in their lives, especially in Africa and the Caribbean Diaspora.

Through our focus on Safeguarding Education, Entrepreneurship Programs, Combating Food Insecurity, Advocating for Social Justice, and Community Building, we are able to address key areas that are crucial for the well-being and success of the youth. With a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability, Faith Has Feet ensures that donors are well-informed about how their contributions are making a difference.

First Youth: Empowered to Lead

Suburbancares in partnership with FAITH HAS FEET, launched the "First Youth" Initiative, a youth empowerment program designed for youths aged 19–29 in Nigeria, in May 2025.

Why Us

Addressing the issue of childhood sexual violence requires education, advocacy, and systemic reform—an effort that demands both local and global commitment. For the past seven years, Suburbancares founded by Dr. Bukola Ogunkua, has been at the forefront of equipping administrators, teachers, staff, and youth in Nigerian schools and faith-based institutions with vital knowledge on mental health, trauma recovery, and the long-term effects of abuse. As a Nigerian survivor of childhood sexual abuse, her work has empowered over 10,000 educators and trained 70 youth counselors, ensuring that communities better understand how to support vulnerable children.

Simultaneously, FAITH HAS FEET, founded by Dr. Denise Buchanan, has built upon her work of establishing a global coalition of thousands of survivors and advocates across 5 continents and 25 countries, demanding justice and pushing for a zero-tolerance policy on clergy abuse within the Catholic Church. As a Jamaican survivor of clergy sexual abuse, Dr. Buchanan has worked tirelessly to create awareness, accountability, and prevention strategies to protect children from religious institutional abuse. Knowing her Nigerian ancestry, and recognizing the urgent need to extend this work across Africa and the African diaspora, she launched FAITH HAS FEET to expand advocacy efforts into faith-based institutions and schools across the continent.

Together, Suburbancares and FAITH HAS FEET unite in purpose and action. Their collaboration builds upon a strong foundation of community education and global justice advocacy, bringing the fight against child sexual violence to the forefront in Nigeria. This partnership established the groundwork for the First Youth Initiative, which is a challenge to empower one million youth in one year to heal from past trauma or adversity and grow and learn. The objective is to create widespread empowerment through skills training, mentorship, and leadership development. This will foster economic growth, resilience, and social transformation, helping young Nigerians build careers, uplift communities, and drive lasting change.

Benefits for Participants

The First Youth Initiative offers comprehensive support for age qualified participants:

Trauma-informed Courses, Practical life and Technical skills training.
⁠Free accommodation, meals & transportation to training events
Access to laptops, tablets, or smartphones
Free data subscription during training period
Free mentorship and networking opportunities to build strong connections and support systems

By providing these essential resources, First Youth aim to eliminate barriers, enabling every young participant to maximize their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This initiative is an opportunity for young Nigerians to grow, heal, and learn.

OBJECTIVES (Measurable)

Engage one million youth (ages 19–29) (Called First Youth, i.e. One million youth in one year) through a peer-to-peer network and targeted digital outreach, starting with 56 existing trained trauma-informed youth leaders who each recruit 10 peers in a replicable cycle.
Establish a Nigerian Survivors Council and submit 3 survivor-led policy proposals by the end of Year one.
Activate 10 cross-sector partnerships (government, technology, health, faith-based) with 3 programs launched.
Launch legal review + child abuse prevention pilot in Ogun State with 2 monitored institutions.
Train 50+ school/faith-based staff in trauma-informed care, impacting 500+ youth directly.

Strategy

Launch WhatsApp + social survey using ACEs (Advanced Childhood Experiences) framework to recruit and map survivor stories. Extend this incredible opportunity by inviting friends, family, and peers to join.
Deliver trauma-informed curriculum for 1 school and 1 faith-based organization; develop national pilot.
Partner with Ministries, NGOs, and industry to co-create scalable, youth-led solutions.
Host quarterly stakeholder roundtables to align ministries, educators, survivor advocates, and youth leaders.
Launch a national digital storytelling campaign that elevates survivor voices and youth-created content.
Build and distribute a Mobile Mobilizer Toolkit including low-power devices, solar-powered kits, printed curriculum, and culturally relevant facilitation guides.

Key Outcomes

October/November 2025 – Youth Solutions Summit +Youth Creative Lab Launched – beta test for where we are in enrolling 1 million youth.

April 2026 – Host global conference celebrating the outcome of the First Youth Initiative with public sector/government alignment, survivor leadership, and cultural storytelling.

Outcomes to Date

As of June 5, 2025: The First Youth Initiative was launched in May 7, 2025 with 56 trained youth leaders. To date there are 15,000 youth engaged in community hubs and advocates, educators, and policymakers are joining forces, sharing knowledge, to drive systemic and legislative change in Nigeria.

Ready for Impact

For those ready to make an impact in Nigeria, Sign up today and bring others along on this transformative journey!

https://forms.gle/xbCmcTTvtPiT5jRx7

By coming together and working towards a common goal, we can truly empower the First Youth and create a brighter future for all.