The story in a nutshell

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Martha Okoro, our guiding light, lived in Ekenobizi, Abia State, Nigeria, where she raised her family alone with unwavering love and determination. Despite her own struggles, she made sure her children received an education and extended her compassion to other children in her community, providing them with food and learning opportunities. Martha's greatest wish was for every child in her village to have the chance to pursue their dreams through education. Her life was a testament to selfless giving and hope. Though she left us too soon in 2012, her dream continues to inspire and guide us, a beacon of love and dedication that lives on through our work.

In 2012, after decades abroad, Mercy Okoro-Statter returned to Nigeria to care for her ill mother, Martha. While visiting the village, she was shocked to find an 8-year-old boy named Mark chained outside his home, accused of witchcraft following his mother’s death. After securing his release through a UK charity, Mercy and her husband Mike realized that Mark’s plight was not unique. In 2013, they founded Martha's Dream to fulfill Martha’s vision and provide education to combat the ignorance behind such tragic stories.

In 2017, after years of fundraising, Martha's Academy opened its doors to 20 pupils in Biafra, a region ravaged by civil war where many children are orphans or must work instead of attending school. Due to high demand, the Academy has expanded to include a Nursery and six Primary classes, serving around 190 students annually.

Our vision is to build both a primary and secondary school, offering academic, vocational, and business training. We also plan to establish a school-farm in Ekenobizi to promote sustainable farming practices and improve literacy in the community.