Lionhearts Remove Fear And Ignorance

This courageous story comes from Euphrates.org and proves that “turning the other into a brother” can heal and remove misperceptions that actually harm human beings. 

By Moriah Early-Manchester

Euphrates Chapter Leader in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Elesse Bafandjo, experienced this first hand when he organized a concert for people with albinism and non-albinos this past May. Discrimination towards those with albinism is prevalent in the DRC, as ignorance perpetuates the belief that albinism is a curse or that body parts can be used for black magic. As a result, those with the condition are abused, marginalized, feared and even killed.

Elesse envisioned using music as a way to bring people with albinism together with those who had misconceptions about the condition to restore their relationship. So Elesse organized a concert in Kinshasa, his hometown.

American singer-songwriter Billy Joel once said: “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” The harmony of music transcends divisions and borders, and in doing so, unifies and heals the listeners.

Elesse does not have albinism, however he recognized that the perception towards and treatment of those with albinism needed to be healed. As he says: “From our research, we were very convinced that the albino/non-albino relationship needed more intervention and more attention for it be better, inclusive, harmonious, peaceful…”

Read more about Elesse’s courage, compassion, tenacity, and lionheartedness.

—

If you are interested in learning more about Elesse’s work and/or partnering with him as a sponsor for his future activities, please contact us at info@euphrates.org.