Shade’s Strategic Plan for Serving People with Albinism

Shade is in a time of expansive growth!

We are building the Shade Campus: a place of hope and holistic care for vulnerable people and people with albinism.  We are currently developing our nearly 30-acre plot of land and seeing that vision come to life!

The Shade Campus is inclusive. We welcome all people, and structure ministry to create change for people with albinism both directly and indirectly.

In order to combat the stigmatization and segregation of people with albinism in the greater society, we knew that it was critical to launch and operate a school known for its quality of education rather than its focus on a particular people group. We strategically began with outreach to children in our community and started a preschool program that did not include students with special needs. As Shade School’s reputation has grown in the community, children with albinism have been incorporated into the student body. 

Shade Pre and Primary School was officially registered in 2021, and it has grown to include six grade levels so far: two preschool levels, pre-unit (kindergarten), standard one, standard two, and standard three. We plan to add one grade level each school year, increasing the capacity on campus with new buildings and new staff as we grow. Though this is a huge task, God is faithful and Shade continues to grow. He has given us favor, and we are becoming more and more established as a positive presence in our community that is welcoming of all children. 

We have gradually been increasing the number of students with albinism and other vulnerable students receiving scholarships at Shade School. So, while you won’t see classrooms full of kids with albinism in our photos or updates, you will see a group who are now getting the love and education, and a place among their peers, that is often not available to them.

We are also actively working to create change for people with albinism in several other ways. First, as a person with albinism, Tanzanian Country Director John Migila serves as an advocate and role model simply by being in his current role. As a leader, he shows the community that people with albinism can achieve and lead. When interacting with Shade School students, he is showing the next generation that people with albinism are just like anyone else, which will help shape their views as they get older. When working with the government, John is able to represent both people with albinism and Shade.

Secondly, we advocate for people with albinism by holding seminars in our community, which educate people and help to dispel the myths surrounding albinism.

Additionally, we have an ongoing involvement, on a small scale, at the government center for children with albinism where we first served.

Finally, we strive to create ambassadors for people with albinism through the Community Club program. In this program, young adults learn the truth about albinism and take it back to their families and neighbors. They also receive training in life skills, gardening, making items to sell, and the Bible, so that they are equipped holistically to lead productive, independent lives.