Author Archives: Susan DuBois

Elizabeth testifies tomorrow.

Elizabeth Charles lost her right hand to attackers in her village in 2015, and is now living at the Kabanga Protectorate Center. The criminal case goes to trial tomorrow, and Elizabeth is traveling over 500 kilometers to the court to testify.

We wanted to share this with you because we are very proud of Elizabeth. We hope that her extraordinary bravery will result in a conviction and lengthy jail sentences for her attackers, which often does not happen. Sadly, none of Elizabeth’s family would accompany her to the trial, so our wonderful Kulwa, the new matron at the Kabanga center, will be her companion. We send them off with our love and prayers for a safe and fruitful journey.

When worlds collide: NBA star Stephen Curry visits Tanzania, meets Kabanga staff

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As part of the Nothing But Nets campaign, NBA basketball player Stephen Curry recently visited Tanzania to distribute anti-malaria bed nets.  While in the Kigoma region, he met Mr. Samuel Stephen, who is in charge of the Kabanga Protectorate Center, home to almost 70 children with albinism.  Mr. Stephen explained the dire situation faced by the albino children housed at Kabanga, and also the impact the lack of adequate drinking water on their health and education.

Asante Mariamu witnessed the effect of the lack of clean drinking water last summer.  In addition to the dangers of dehydration, the overcrowded facility lacked adequate washing facilities and working plumbing.  The lack of clean water created serious health risks, but also diminished the basic human dignity of the children and families living at the center.

Mr. Stephen asked the NBA star for help in raising the $25,000 needed to solve this problem – which is all it would take to create a new sanitation system, including a new well.  It seems like such a small amount, but for the close to 200 disabled children living there, it could make a world of difference.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that Stephen Curry will find a way to help.

A Student Leaves Kabanga

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Asrafil Leaves the Protectorate Center to Excel in Secondary School

I first met Asrafil in March of 2012 on my first trip to Kabanga.  Gangly with a friendly smile, we made an easy connection.  At first, I thought his name was Rafiki, which means “friend” in Swahili.  I am not sure if it was a miscommunication or simply an expression of his nature.

A photo of Asrafil Muhamed, a secondary student at Bishop Mpango Secondary School in Kibondo

Asrafil Muhamed

Asrafil told me that he was 18 and just finishing up primary school, and that he wanted to be an engineer or architect someday.  I asked him if he was going to go to secondary school, and he said he had no idea.  He wasn’t sure if his grades would be good enough to get in, and he had no idea how he would pay for it anyway.  He had been living at the Kabanga Protectorate Center for a couple of years, and was ready to move on, but had no plans.

When our team arrived in July, he was still there, and still friendly.  He helped us paint blackboards, hang artwork, and work with the little kids.  As with so many of the other kids at Kabanga, I didn’t know how to say goodbye to him.  I’ve thought about him over the last year, and was hoping to get an update on how he was doing.

I am happy to report that he is one of the highest performing students at Bishop Mpango Secondary School, and was just elected Chairperson of the newly-formed Kibondo Tanzania Albino Society! Asrafil was brought back to Kibondo because his family was there, and he found a spot at Bishop Mpango.  His studies are going very well, and he is a leader in his community, and an excellent role model.

One of our goals for the AM 2013 trip was to start new TAS chapters in rural outposts, and the people with albinism in Kibondo elected Asrafil to represent them.  Our team provided the newest TAS Chairperson with a cell phone and a resource book full of educational information in English and Swahili, and organized a planning meeting to outline some ideas for the next year.

Asrafil is doing an amazing job, and we hope he continues to be an inspiration to those around him.  Now, in a shameless plea for help, we are looking for people to help us sponsor his education through to completion.  We don’t want Asrafil and his family to stress about whether or not they can provide tuition money, or if the school is going to just float him.  We want him to know that as long as he is doing well in school, we will provide for his tuition and fees. Tuition and fees at Bishop Mpango total $500 a year, which is less that $10 a week.  If you would like to help us provide for Asrafil’s education, please visit our website, or email me at Susan@Asante-Mariamu.org.  Asante sana!