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THE CENTER
LIFE AT THE CENTER
The children are safe, protected, and deeply cared for at the Mary Mother of God Perpetual Help Center in Lamadi, Tanzania—a small village at the edge of the Serengeti National Park.
Since breaking ground in 2013, the Center has grown into a vibrant and secure home.
What began as a vision is now a fully developed space that includes dormitories, protective walls, indoor and outdoor kitchens, bathroom facilities, a dining hall, gardens, and a chapel—all supported by electricity and running water.
TAKE A TOUR
Life at the Center reflects the values of Tanzanian culture: hard work, community, and self-sufficiency. The children take part in daily routines just as they would in their home villages—helping prepare meals, clean, and care for younger children. These responsibilities foster independence, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
A core belief of Sister Helena is that the children should be treated as children first—not defined by their condition. While the Center provides amenities that many rural villages do not have, the goal is not to make the children feel different, but to give them the stability and opportunity they deserve. Year-round staff support daily life at the Center, caring for the younger children, preparing meals, and providing supervision, alongside full-time security to ensure their safety. These essential staff positions are made possible entirely through the generosity of ZeruZeru donors.
Visibility and empowerment are central to life at the Center.
The children are encouraged to be seen, heard, and included—both within their community and beyond.
They have traveled to the capital, met with government officials, and participated in national Albinism Awareness Day marches. Through these experiences, they help challenge harmful misconceptions and advocate for themselves and others living with albinism.
Faith and community are also deeply woven into daily life.
The children are active in the local Catholic community, attending Mass regularly and walking to school together.
Over time, the village of Lamadi has grown alongside the Center, embracing both the children and the mission of ZeruZeru Simama Sasa.