Readers React: The power of an Africa-L.A. connection

Tindi, left, and Bibiana Mashamba, albino sisters from Tanzania, sit in on professor Jody Armour’s USC tort law class on Aug. 24. They just received asylum in the U.S.

Bibiana Mashamba, an albino teen from Tanzania, leaves the classroom after attending a USC law class with sister Tindi on Aug. 24.

Tindi Mashamba, with a law book, right, and sister Bibiana Mashamba, center, ride an elevator with guardian Malena Ruth, left, to sit in on a USC law class on Aug. 24.

Jean Reisz, USC Audrey Irmas clinical teaching fellow, center, greets Tindi Mashamba, left, and sister Bibiana, along with second-year law student Elena Babakhanyan, second from right, and the girls’ guardian, Malena Ruth, far left, at the USC Gould School of Law on Aug. 24.

Bibiana Mashamba attaches her prosthetic leg after a doctor visit.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Anthony Scaduto talks with Bibiana Mashamba during an appointment at Orthopaedic Institute for Children in Los Angeles.

Bibiana Mashamba, right, and her younger sister Tindi wait for their guardian Malena Ruth following an appointment at Orthopaedic Institute for Children in Los Angeles.

Guardian Malena Ruth, left, grabs a pigtail on Tindi Mashamba’s head during a lunch break from homeschool studies in Los Angeles.

Bibiana Mashamba, left, and her younger sister Tindi take a ballet lesson in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Bibiana Mashamba picks out a pumpkin to decorate at an Orthopaedic Institute for Children Halloween party in Los Angeles on Oct. 28, 2015.

Tindi Mashamba holds a book close to read. Her vision was weakened when she went years without needed glasses.

Tindi Mashamba, left, sits on the floor with guardian Malena Ruth, center, and her older sister Bibiana during a lunch break from home school.

Bibiana Mashamba tries to recall a phrase while studying English.

Bibiana Mashamba prepares to ride a horse for the first time at Palos Verdes Stables in Palos Verdes Estates.

Bibiana Mashamba, left, and her younger sister Tindi take a ballet lesson with Liz Cantine, foreground, in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Guardian Malena Ruth, left, looks over a text message with Tindi Mashamba.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Anthony Scaduto hugs Tindi Mashamba after an appointment with Bibiana Mashamba, right, at the Orthopaedic Institute for Children in Los Angeles.