Our Story
The Hope-Divin Okundji Community (CHDO) is much more than a nonprofit organization: it is a story of life, a story of love, and a story of hope. It all began with an extraordinary little boy, Hope-Divin Okundji, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect. Despite the challenges associated with his condition, Hope-Divin brightened the lives of his family and everyone who crossed his path. His smile, strength, and tenderness were a universal language, reminding us that every child, regardless of their differences, has immeasurable value and unique beauty.
His untimely death left a huge void, but also a mission: to ensure that his memory lives on through a project capable of transforming pain into hope. Thus, in 2025, the Hope-Divin Okundji Community was born, an organization created in his memory to support children with special needs and their families.
The CHDO aims to be a place of solidarity and inclusion, where every child is welcomed with dignity and every family finds a listening ear and support. Our mission is multifaceted:
• Support children with special needs (Down syndrome, autism, physical disabilities, developmental disorders, etc.) in their educational, social, and personal development.
• Break the isolation of families by offering them a space for mutual aid, sharing, and comfort.
• Create educational, social, cultural, and recreational activities to promote integration and fulfillment for all.
• Collaborate with schools, health institutions, and community stakeholders to build a strong and sustainable support network.
• Raise awareness in society about the importance of inclusion and respect for differences in order to build a future where every child has a place.
The CHDO is not just an organization: it is a living community where families meet, help each other, and grow together. We believe that every child, like Hope-Divin, carries a message of love, courage, and hope for the world.
Through our projects and initiatives, we want to sow seeds of light in society and remind everyone that a child’s dignity and value are not measured by their limitations, but by the love and potential they bring to humanity.
Today, the Hope-Divin Okundji Community continues on its path with passion and determination, convinced that Hope-Divin’s legacy will continue to inspire generations and transform lives.