The Plight of Children with Albinism

Albinism: a congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes.... (see Wikipedia article on Albinism).

Without going into great detail about albinism (you can learn more by clicking on the link above), I think it is important for you to know that of the thousands of children affected by this condition in Uganda, almost all of them struggle to survive and thrive, facing significant, even life-threatening discrimination at times.  Aside from serious medical issues, albino body parts can sell in nearby Tanzania for thousands of dollars (a "complete set" can sell for $75,000!).  One women in our project had to flee with her albino children to another city because her husband had hatched a plan to sell the children to a witchdoctor in Kenya for the purpose of harvesting their body parts.  It's hard to imagine, isn't it?  But these things can and do happen to these children.

Though ECM includes children with albinism in many of our projects, we have started a project in the eastern part of Uganda (Tororo) that works almost exclusively with these especially vulnerable children.  A local school has invited us to use some of their classroom space each Saturday, a generous gift considering many Ugandans still consider albinism a curse, and many fathers will leave their wife and children because of it.  (Ironically, albinism is hereditary, so dad might just have something to do with it!)  The community is shocked that anyone is doing anything for these kids, and the albino families can't quite believe that someone has actually come to provide assistance for them.

But we can't do it alone!  Won't you consider joining with us to sponsor at least one child with albinism?  The family will be so grateful!  I spoke with all the kids in this project yesterday, and was so impressed as they sang and danced and showed off their artwork.  The oldest, John, explained that he wants to be a doctor and an artist.  And why not?  He already has Christ, who gives him strength.  Now all he needs is a little help from his friends!

Click here to read more about albinism and what ECM is doing to help those affected by the condition.
Click here to be a friend to one of our children with albinism (or any needy child)! It's a step you won't ever regret!

We pray for more fathers like this one, who continues to love and care for his child with albinism.

John wants to be a doctor and an artist!  He's off to a good start!

The children in our Tororo project holding their artwork.  People are affected to varying degrees by albinism, which is why some of the children have darker skin.