TAPP Ministry Expands Program
The Tumaini Aids Prevention Program (TAPP) has recently opened its North American headquarters at Park Place Church of God. TAPP originated in Kasubi, Uganda through Children of Promise, a Church of God ministry organization. A need was recognized to assist those who were living with HIV and AIDS.
Approximately 98 percent of the HIV victims that are involved with TAPP are women. “The idea was not only to care for people with HIV and AIDS but to teach the community how to care for those who are infected,” said Scott Schomburg, AU senior and local TAPP coordinator for partnership development and church relations. “They’re breaking down a lot of those myths about AIDS that are prevalent.”
Schomburg found his passion for TAPP while on a mission trip to Uganda. When he returned to the states, Schomburg collaborated with others to bring the TAPP ministry to the AU community.
Today, there are 27 branches in Africa, with one branch in Rwanda and one in Congo. The branch started here by Schomburg and other students is the first in the U.S.
At the heart of TAPP is sustainability. For those who are HIV positive, finding and keeping a job becomes incredibly difficult due to the stigmas placed on them. “If you have HIV and you had a job, then you’ve lost it. If you have HIV and you need one, there is a very small chance of getting one,” said Schomburg. TAPP supports HIV and AIDS victims who are learning the craft of bead-making. Most of the products coming out of TAPP are the paper necklaces and bracelets that can be seen on students around campus.
Beadmaking is a craft common to southern Uganda. “No one was buying these beads in the local market except Americans,” said Schomburg. The TAPP branch located in Anderson serves two main purposes: to support these women by allowing their jewelry to sell in an international market and to remind people here of the struggles that AIDS victims face everyday. TAPP helps bring economic stability to the women by giving them a constant, and now international, market.
The AU bookstore has a permanent display for TAPP beads. The bookstore has offered the TAPP program a reduced commission rate in order to further the mission. Additionally, students are able to buy TAPP beads with Raven dollars or cash.
There are many ways for students to become involved in the international program. All TAPP participants are volunteers. “Becoming a TAPP volunteer is great—it really does provide an opportunity for you to use your gifts,” said senior Brittany Kier, who also became involved with the TAPP program after a trip to Uganda. She plans to return to Uganda in May.
TAPP also offers rafiki parties. Rafiki is the Ugandan word for friendship. A rafiki party is comparable to a Tupperware party, except that instead of kitchen supplies, the party uses TAPP beads as a way to inform people about TAPP and sell necklaces. A variety of beads are sold and educational materials are handed out to inform people about TAPP. “Everybody has a hometown church where they could talk about this to them and get other people excited about TAPP,” said Schomburg.
The TAPP office is located on the second floor of Park Place Church of God’s administrative wing. Office hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. TAPP will be launching a Web site within the next few weeks. For more questions about TAPP, check out TAPP on Facebook and MySpace or send an e-mail.
—Lindsey Emmick is a writer for the Andersonian, Anderson University’s student newspaper.