ABOUT US
Our work is rooted in lived experience, not theory.
Together, We Can Rebuild Futures
Garden of Hope officially became a registered organization on May 25, 2023, but our work started quietly three years earlier.
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We support widows and vulnerable children in underserved Nigerian communities through access to food, education, counseling, and vocational training.
Our story began with our founder, Eden Rufus, a mother and family therapist who grew up in poverty, faced child labor, and almost gave up on her education, until support from a local church changed her life.
Garden of Hope's Impact To Date
350
Vocational & Technical Training
2500
Educational Support
4
Food Banks
You Have Our Word And Our Commitment
We promise this: 100% of public donations go directly to our programs. No guesswork. No detours. That includes food relief, school supplies, emotional care, and more.​Our founders and private donors fund our internal operations so we can keep the impact focused, simple, and effective, just the way it should be.
How We Work
We don’t believe in “quick fixes.” We believe in walking with people.
Here’s how we keep our promise:
We work hand-in-hand with local communities
We share updates and data that reflect real work on the ground via our newsletter
We stay accountable and transparent, always
Meet our founder
Eden Rufus
Eden Rufus is the founder and president of Garden of Hope and a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Driven by compassion and a steadfast belief in the power of restoration, Eden has spent the past several years working to uplift widows and children in rural areas of West Africa.
Through Garden of Hope, she tirelessly opens doors for children, helping them step into classrooms, hold books in their hands, and experience the joy of learning.
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Eden works to provide access to food, skills training, and business grants...
Resources that restore independence and rebuild confidence for widows.
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Technology Advisor
Phillip Thomaschima
Phillip Thomaschima is the Technology Advisor for Garden of Hope.
With a background in engineering and years of experience in cybersecurity, he has worked with big names like Boeing, T-Mobile, and Target.
Phillip is known for helping companies build strong and secure systems while leading teams to get the job done right.
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Outside of work, Phillip dedicates his time to supporting young people passionate about Internet, Communications, and Technology (ICT). Through Garden of Hope, he provides access to technologies that enhance learning and empower local businesses to grow and thrive.
Partner
Korede Johnson
Korede Johnson is the Chief Operating Officer at Basement Animation Studio, where she has worked on award-winning projects like Emeka’s Money and Halima’s Vote.
She also runs her own company, Corie, creating magic in film, fashion, and advertising for brands like Jumia, Maltina, and Glo.
Beyond work, Korede is passionate about helping communities, loves fitness, and balances life as a proud mom and creative leader.
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