Nduma came to the village of Kamanzi several years ago. One day he just showed up. Although he has Down Syndrome he speaks Kikamba well. He would not tell anyone where he came from though. The village cared for him giving him a place to sleep and feeding him. Some time after he arrived someone passing through recognized him and let his relatives in a village several miles away know where he was. They came and took him back home. Several weeks later however Nduma cam back to Kamanzi. He apparently preferred to be in Kamanzi and has been there ever since.
What amazes me is how the village has adopted Nduma and assumed responsibility for his care. Most everyone pitches in to help with his care. He does not seem to be a burden for anyone in the village. He is fed regularly and has a room to stay in. Everyone looks out for him to make sure he is ok. It is interesting that he is not “homeless” as would happen here if someone just showed up with no money and no family. The people in Kamanzi care for him like they would care for their own children.
Whenever we visit Kamanzi Nduma becomes part of our team. He seems to enjoy being identified as a part of our group and we enjoy his company. Nduma is an example for me of how I believe “civilized” people should treat others in need.
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