Supporting HEAL Nigeria and Its Mission to Form Servant Leaders
- Wed, Oct 21, 2026 8:32 PM
At the recent Michigan Catholic Women’s Conference at the Lansing Center, a booth for HEAL Nigeria (Home to Enhance African Life) caught the attention of the Michigan Knights. The organization, whose motto is “Called to Self-Emptying Service,” presents a compelling opportunity for Michigan Knights of Columbus to put our principles of Charity and Unity into action by supporting authentic Catholic formation and poverty relief in rural Nigeria.
HEAL’s Mission
HEAL’s mission is to form Servant Leaders through poverty relief, education, and entrepreneurship in the Self-Emptying Spirit of Christ (Philippians 2:6-11). Grounded in the example of Jesus—who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7)—and the teaching that “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26), HEAL provides concrete help while forming young people to lead with humility and service.
Founded by Fr. Leo Okonkwo (recently ordained for the Diocese of Bauchi) and Nick Costello, a longtime Knight of Columbus and University of Notre Dame graduate, HEAL operates as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization. In rural southeast Nigeria (Imo State), it supports two K-12 Catholic schools, including Berthrand Okonkwo Memorial Comprehensive Academy (BOMCA) in the Akpim area. These schools serve roughly 200 poor and marginalized children from subsistence farming families, including orphans and children of widows, in places where educational opportunity is scarce.
What HEAL Provides
Through these schools and related programs, HEAL offers:
• Formal Catholic education and religious formation, including catechesis and preparation for the sacraments.
• Daily nutritious meals that help keep children in school amid widespread food insecurity.
• Agricultural and technical skills training so students can support themselves and their communities.
• Poverty relief such as food, basic medical care, clean water, and other essentials for orphans, widows, and vulnerable families.
The long-term vision is to form young Africans in the principles of Servant Leadership so they can contribute to the peace and prosperity of their society. Students are taught not only academic subjects but also the spirituality of self-emptying service, reflecting the Gospel call that animates HEAL’s work.
Why This Matters to Michigan Knights
This mission aligns closely with the Knights of Columbus. We are called to charity that reaches the poor and vulnerable, to support Catholic education and the Church’s mission, and to live as men of faith who put the Gospel into practice. Supporting HEAL is a concrete way for councils and individual members to extend the spirit of Blessed Michael McGivney’s founding vision—practical help rooted in Catholic faith—across the world.
Many Michigan councils already sponsor or participate in the Catholic Women’s Conference where this opportunity was discovered. Promoting HEAL continues that spirit of encounter and service.
How You Can Help
Michigan Knights are encouraged to learn more and consider ways to support this work:
• Visit healnigeria.org for full information on programs, updates, and ways to give.
• Share HEAL’s mission with your council, parish, or family as a possible charitable project or personal donation opportunity.
• Pray for the students, teachers, and missionaries serving in rural Nigeria.
• Consider a council-level donation, fundraiser, or ongoing partnership that fits your local resources and priorities.
Donations to HEAL are tax-deductible. As with any charitable opportunity, councils are encouraged to review the organization’s materials and discern what level of involvement is appropriate for their members.
In a world that often measures success by status and self-interest, HEAL offers a clear witness to Christ’s self-emptying love. By supporting this mission, Michigan Knights can help form the next generation of servant leaders while living out our own call to charity.
For more details or questions, visit healnigeria.org or contact your council’s Grand Knight or Faith in Action director to discuss possible next steps.
Vivat Jesus.