About us

Spe Salvi is the official website of Saint Augustine, Hope and Transformation Initiative, which is a non-profit religious organization, within the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, Nigeria, with the mission of providing empowerment and salvation to young girls and boys who may have lost their way in various communities within the diocese and beyond.

Spe Salvi is the code name of our mission. The name, Spe Salvi, meaning, "in hope we are saved", derives from our initiative of providing hope and transformation of our rural people. This initiative was born out of a profound realization that the people of the area where the Okigwe Diocese is located and surrounding towns of the south-eastern states of Nigeria are still struggling with the devastating effects of the Nigerian-Biafran War and therefore need to be ministered to in a new way to discover their true humanity and the grace to flourish maximally. Even though the then Gowon Government, after the 1967-1970 civil war promised the people of the south-eastern states of Nigeria the 3 Rs (Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation), it is evident that these goals were never implemented. Most of the developmental infrastructure in this area was either provided by the Catholic diocese or by some private individual. There is also a renewed agitation for Biafra in this area and a worsening menace of incessant kidnapping and farmer-herder conflicts. These conditions are disturbing the area anew, leading to the widening of the poverty rate, an increase in the number of displaced people and families, an atmosphere of hopelessness, agitations and fear, and an increase in the number of girls being trafficked into prostitution and sex labour in these rural or remote villages. 

We aim to serve our teaming young population (especially girls) facing emotional and social challenges arising from the above circumstances that lead them to hopelessness and exploitation by offering them the resources, encouragement, mentorship and positive experiences they need to rediscover themselves and rebuild their confidence and grace. Our mission is consequently to create a safe and supportive community where young people can learn life skills, explore their passions, gain hope and find help when struggling with pregnancy or life-related issues. Through various programs, workshops, and outreach efforts, Spe Salvi Nigeria works towards helping these young people reconnect with themselves and their potential, ultimately leading them towards healthier, more fulfilling lives, a clearer purpose and a more secure future.