Sharon Hyde, Memphis TN…..revisiting the albino compound

In my first blog post about my 2018 trip, I spoke about change.  Change is going to happen. Sometimes it is good and some change is not so good.  My passion on these mission trips is something I never want to change.

Sharon distributing hats

Children and adults with albinism has been what has touched me the most on my three trips to Tanzania. The one thing I wanted to visit again is  the albino compound.

I was happy to see positive changes from my last visit.The first time I went to Buhangia albino compound, there was much chaos with the children.  The next time there was a positive change and this time, the change was even bigger.  The young children  sat politely, with little chaos because there was more supervision and fewer children.

The reason they must live in a compound with high walls is for protection. Witch doctors  teach  their body parts can be used for charms, so they can be attacked, maimed, and slaughtered for these body parts.

The song they sang when we got to the compound was “Welcome our beloved visitors, let’s rejoice together.  Welcome our excellent visitors and hear our cry.  Albinos being cut with no excuse.  Oh God give us peace and love.  Albinos being slaughtered with no excuse.  Oh God give us peace and love.  For we are your next ministers, we are coming behind you.”

Thanks everyone for the donations of both hats, sunglasses for me to bring on this trip for the younger children. It made my day to see the faces of the children as they donned their new glasses and hats.

With the older children, the need is for them to become self sufficient and return to live in the villages with dignity. Another ministry was established for this reason.South East of Lake Victoria diocese, (SELVD) Bishop Emmanuel  Makala said it well. “We must change the perception and the way to do this is to bring the children home, back to the villages. ”

One of the programs successfully training them to return is called Right to Live with Albinism. These young women live at  the Deaconess house and are taught skills in sewing, baking, ointment making, and entrepreneurship skills. This SELVD supported  ministry also receives funding from the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission(FELM).  They recently  graduated their third class.  A fund raiser at each graduation helps the students to leave with a sewing machine and fabric to start their business.

she will leave with a sewing machine and fabric to start her own business

proudly displaying their handiwork. Deaconess House training

sewing class to become self supporting

third graduation class Right to Live with Albminism

Photo credits for Right to Life with Albinism: Linda Funke