Twinning Ministry Connects Wisconsin Parishes, Tanzanian Children

St. John the Baptist Parish in Plymouth and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Elkhart Lake have supported the Mary Mother of God Perpetual Help Center in Tanzania through a twinning relationship since 2018. Seven members from these Wisconsin parishes visited the center in August to observe the results of their support.

The partnership assists ZeruZeru Simama Sasa, a nonprofit founded in 2013 by Eric and Dr. Karene Boos. The organization was established after the Boos, then parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas, witnessed the persecution of people living with albinism in Tanzania. The name ZeruZeru reclaims a Swahili slur used against people with albinism to promote dignity.

In Tanzania, albinism occurs in approximately 1 in 1,400 people, a higher frequency than in North America or Europe. Children with the condition face discrimination and threats from individuals who believe their body parts possess magical or healing properties. The nonprofit works alongside Sister Helena Ntambulwa at the Mary Mother of God Perpetual Help Center to support these children.