Inspiring Change Across Distance: Helping People with Albinism in Tanzania
I want to take a minute to tell you about my six-year-old nephew named Knox. His story is an inspiration to me, and I know that it will inspire you also.
When Knox learned that his aunt was working with people who have albinism in Tanzania, he was curious. What does it mean to have albinism? Why do people want to hurt them? Why was Shade trying to help them?
He took in the information and soon could put it in his own words. “Albinism takes all the color out of your hair, all the color out of your skin, and all the color out of your eyes. It makes you get burned easily. People with no albinism want to kill them because they think it will bring them good luck and power.”
When he learned that Shade was working to create change, Knox wanted to be part of the solution, too.
His efforts started small. One time while playing, he found some wild onions growing in the yard and decided that they could be sold to raise money for Shade. When his mom suggested that he focus on something more marketable, they chose to make and sell chocolate-covered pretzels in the neighborhood instead.
At two dollars apiece, he set off to dip and decorate 35 pretzels to reach his big $70 goal. He helped design a tag for each pretzel bag that displayed the Shade logo and mission.
As soon as the word started to spread, donations and pretzel orders started coming in. His $70 goal was quickly surpassed and he ended up raising $285.50. He proudly presented me with a check his mom had written.
When I asked why he wanted to raise money for Shade, he said quite matter-of-factly, “Well, I wanted to give something to someone that would mean a lot. And I just thought, the school needs money to pay for some stuff.”
How awesome!
And just like Knox said, Shade School does need to “pay for some stuff!" We are gearing up for our big primary school launch and are currently stocking the classrooms with all that they need for the big day. More information can be found on the Shade website.
Happy 2022!
Claire Fedele
Shade Tanzania, International Director
Claire Fedele is the founder and International Director of Shade (Tanzania), an organization that strives to bring the tangible love of Christ to children with albinism in Tanzania through encountering the Father’s love, education and advocacy. She served as a missionary in Tanzania for four years, and she has a heart for vulnerable children and for children with albinism. Claire also serves on the New Wineskins Board of Trustees.