Jamilah

Please make sure to read the last paragraph below so that you are aware of the annual cost for medical care required.

Jamilah’s mother died about four years ago.  No one seems to know why, but the community gossip was that she was bewitched.  Her father remarried to a woman who hated Jamilah, claiming that an albino child in the house brings misfortune. Jamilah was sent to live with her aged grandmother.

The grandmother is dependent on a very, very small vegetable garden for her and Jamila’s food.  A few weeks ago, she brought Jamilah to us asking for help.  In most of Africa, albinos are often feared, mistreated and/or ostracized. In some countries, albino bones are considered magical; an albino may be murdered and their bones sold to a witch doctor.

When we accepted the first albino child (Sarah) at Watoto seven years ago, we discovered that only one physician in Uganda specializes in caring for the albino community. Following his advice, our school nurse takes Sarah to see him twice annually.  Jamilah has  already been included in the most recent trip.  The cost is high, primarily because they must travel in a private car with a driver. The doctor warned us that Sarah could not travel by bus.  He said that the other passengers would be uneasy having an albino on the bus, and if she  began sweating, she would be thrown off the bus – no matter where it was, no matter if it were in the middle of the night.

Although Jamilah is ten years old, our teachers decided it was best to start her in first grade (P.1). We suspect that the father and stepmother would not pay for school. Then, Her grandmother appears to have tried to get her to school, but it is likely Jamila was badly bullied and refused to return.

All the children at Watoto understand that her skin color makes no difference.  They have welcomed her, and she has already made many friends.  Her teachers say she is learning quickly.

Last week we had special clothing made for her.  It looks just like the standard uniform and the “casual” clothing,  but covers all her skin.  Good food, boarding, new clothes, learning quickly and making lots of friends.  It’s a brand new and very wonderful world for Jamilah!

Please note that there will be an extra charge for Jamila’s trips to the doctor in Kampala twice yearly.  Travel costs will be split 50/50 with Sarah’s sponsor.  

BY CHECK:      $1,438 

ON WEBSITE:  $1,480 (includes a PayPal fee). 

To pay online, 

• please go to the “DONATIONS” page

• type in the amount  of $1480 (don’t worry about the$5.00 in the box, just write over it).)

• This might be a good opportunity for two friends or relatives to share  sponsorship costs. Please contact educatebwindi@gmail.com or Board President Lornaradio@gmail.com for further information or questions. A reminder that sponsorship should be a commitment to helping the child through primary education. If that is not comfortable, please consider a general donation instead.