This
organization is the dream child of Dr. Stella Osemwegie. The seed was sown in
2009 while collecting data for her doctoral dissertation that was based on privileging
the voices of children who had suffered the stigmatized death of loved ones. It
was clear from the data analysis that children grieve in many ways and that
adults’ desire to protect children’s emotional health by disallowing and
minimizing their feelings of grief was not helpful. A plan to organize a
support group where bereaved and orphaned children could talk about their
feelings and grieve outside of themselves was born. It was also clear that
orphanages and care point centers where bereaved and orphaned children are
cared for would need support for identified projects for the wellbeing of their
children.
The
Center for Privileging Children’s Voices International Inc. (CPCV) was formally
founded in May 2011. We are continuing to look for funds to set up pilot
programs for support groups in the USA, Nigeria, and The Kingdom of Swaziland. It
is our hope that we will grow to other countries in the future/
EVERY CHILD DESERVES A VOICE.