TANZANIA: You Can Help People With Albinisim

Zuwena and four of her precious girls, with a UTSS worker.

Zuwena is a single mother with five daughters who lives in Mwanza. Three of her young girls have albinism.

Abandoned by her husband, Zuwena had to work long hours as a seamstress to support her children.

She left her kids with a nanny who took care of them while she was at work.

When her neighbors noticed a strange man lurking outside of Zuwena’s home, where two of her girls – Fatuma and Rehema – played one day after school, they grew suspicious.

One neighbor hid nearby to keep an eye on the situation.

Another ran to get the community officer in charge of safety.

When the stranger noticed, he fled.

But he showed up later at a bar, asking questions about Zuwena and her girls and alarmingly, showing off a machete he carried with him.

There was little doubt that he intended to harm the little girls.

The police were called and immediately realized the danger.

That’s because they had attended Understanding Albinism seminars given by Under The Same Sun in the area.

They understood how vulnerable Zuwena’s children were, and became suspicious of the nanny.

They went to visit Zuwena at her work to alert her of the danger.

Zuwena sent her nanny away and her children survived this ordeal.

What we believe was intended to be an abduction or a direct attack was thwarted because of the vigilance and compassion of the neighbors and the police.

Today, Zuwena is part of our Mamas Group in Mwanza.

She and her children are receiving the support they need. And through training she is educating others to understand albinism.

Under The Same Sun sees it all the time: When people know better they do better!

When people learn the facts about albinism through our Understanding Albinism seminars they become informed and more compassionate, and often help fight to protect the girls and boys and women and men with albinism in their communities.

This kind of community action is what saves lives and discourages would-be criminals.

Would you consider making a gift for Giving Tuesday so more lives can be saved?

With your help, we will take our Understanding Albinism seminars to a new level and into many new communities in the coming months.

Here’s what your gift will make possible:

- Blanketing more towns and cities than ever before with the truth about albinism through Understanding Albinism seminars. It’s proven! They dispel the dehumanizing myths that lead to attacks.

- Live public theatre presentations, put on by local young people, that really work to educate people and increase compassion for people with albinism.

- Print ads, interactive radio programs and a new social media push to reach an even wider audience in Tanzania.

- And…for the first time, a National Albinism Hotline will be set up, so that anyone can anonymously call to report suspicious activity and get immediate help!

If you want to help save lives like Fatuma and Rehema’s please make a gift before midnight tomorrow – Giving Tuesday. Your generosity will be multiplied 9 times by a US government grant to make an ever greater impact!

CONTACT: info@underthesamesun.com


Under The Same Sun is a Registered Charity. All donations are deductible for income tax purposes in Canada and the USA. 100% of your donations go directly to programs in Tanzania. All administration costs are covered by a generous benefactor.
Canadian Charitable #: 851599860 RR0001
US: EIN 68-0680719



Tourism Observer

Safe And Healthy Child Means A Happy Mother.

My mother made sure that as a young boy with albinism in Canada, I grew up with courage and confidence. With poor eyesight and as the only youngster with albinism in my entire school, she knew I'd face struggles. So these were important life lessons.

Mothers everywhere, no matter their circumstances, have one thing in common. They want the best for their children. The women in the Mama's Group, who are part of Under the Same Sun's Women's Development Program, are no different. They want a safe and secure future for their girls and boys with albinism, so that they can flourish.

Twice a week, these mamas gather together to share, learn, and often pray for each other. Then they busy themselves creating plans and products to sell to help improve their lives and those of their children.

Some of these mothers have albinism and have suffered the severe consequences of alienation from family and community and even the pain of attacks that have left them maimed and struggling. Others have children who have albinism, and they fight daily to protect their little ones and help them build a future.

Zuena has three children with albinism who attend school in the Under the Same Sun Education Program. That means her children receive things like:

Tuition fees and uniforms
Books and school supplies
The special medical services students living with albinism need, including skincare and low-vision aids.
Protective clothing and sunscreen to protect from the sun's harmful rays.
A secure environment, free from the threat of further attacks. (No more hiding away in fear).

And Zuena receives the hope and support she needs through the Mama's Group. When she was asked recently what her hopes were for her family, she shared: "I hope to be a good Mama and do business." We believe in you Zuena!

Together, these moms have found their strength. UTSS taught them about albinism. What a comfort and liberation to learn that albinism is a genetic condition, not a curse. Living with albinism does not have to mean a death sentence or a life on the run, with no opportunities for growth and security.

In fact, with their newfound understanding and mutual support, these moms are gaining in strength and hope all the time.

You can help.

Your special gift to UTSS this Mother's Day, will help provide safety, education and continued opportunities for mothers and their children with albinism. Why not make a gift to honor your mother or a strong woman you admire? We will send you a special Mother's Day card that you can print out or email to your mother or the special person you want to honor.

Simply click on the link below to make a secure gift online.
http://www.underthesamesun.com/content/donate

100% of your gift goes directly to Tanzania to help mothers.

From mothers' hearts and hands

Here is a list of the handicrafts these moms have made and sold to help build a better life for their children. See how they have progressed!

Paper bead necklaces and cards using recycled goods
Lip balms, soaps and candles from bees wax
African tie dye fabrics
Bread baking

And now with their profits the moms have purchased sewing machines and ovens for expanded business opportunities!

Under The Same Sun is a Registered Charity. All donations are deductible for income tax purposes in Canada and the USA.
100% of your donations go directly to programs in Tanzania. All administration costs are covered by a generous benefactor.

African Witch Doctors Resiponsible For Abducting, Maiming And Killing Of People With Albinisim

United Nations expert calls for stronger oversight of traditional medicine in African countries, in order to limit the threat to people living with albinism.

Ikponwosa Ero, a Nigerian with albinism and internationally recognized human rights advocate, called for a two-track strategy that would address the urgent need to end attacks on light-skinned albinos and the trafficking of body parts from those with the genetically inherited condition.

Yet the recommended approach would also focus on public education aimed at dispelling myths about albinos and the associated traditional practices.

More than 600 attacks and other violations have been reported in 27 countries in recent years, although some go unreported. Albinos are targeted for the purpose of witchcraft rituals, or in medicine rituals known as muti or juju, that rely on the belief that albino body parts bring wealth, healing and good luck.

The issue is further complicated by the lack of effective oversight over the practice of traditional healers, the secrecy that often surrounds witchcraft rituals and the absence of clear national policies on the issue, said Ero, who was presenting her report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The report comes following a high-profile case in South Africa, in which the leader of a body parts trafficking ring was convicted in the death of a 20-year-old woman.

Too often, only middlemen and hired hands are arrested or prosecuted, Ero said. This sentence from the High Court of South Africa is particularly important as it condemns the man who organized and recruited persons for the crime.

Ero has served as an independent UN expert on albinism and human rights since June 2015. She also has served as an albinism advocate and legal officer with Under the Same Sun, an NGO with offices in Tanzania and Canada.

Mozambique People With Albinisim Living In Great Fear

People With Albinisim in some African countries are killed for their body parts in the mistaken belief they have miraculous powers. In Dar es Salaam, the Pan Africa Albinism Conference is campaigning for their safety and dignity.

Representatives from almost 30 African countries converged on Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for the first ever three-day Pan Africa Albinism Conference, starting on Thursday.

Albinism is a hereditary condition which causes a total absence of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes.

People with albinism face discrimination. Regular attacks on albinos in Tanzania, fuelled by superstition, were described by President John Magufuli as a "national shame" during the recent election campaign.

The supersititions are numerous. Fishermen believe that their catches will be bigger if albino hair is fastened to their nets.

Miners are convinced that powdered albino bone turns into diamond when it is buried in the ground. Some believe that albino body parts are charms that bring the wearer riches.

The choice of Tanzania as the venue gives added poignancy to this conference, which the organizers say focused on empowering people with albinism.

They don't only face problems in Tanzania. So far this year at least 15 albinos have been kidnapped or killed in Mozambique. The true figure could be a lot higher, because fear prevents the victims from reporting such crimes to the authorities.

One of our members has already been burgled, said Laurinda Tembe. A People With Albinisim herself, she campaigns with a group called Àmor a Vida (Love of Life) for albino rights in Mozambique.

In one case, a two-year-old baby was saved by the police at the last moment. In another case, a mother was able to escape from kidnappers but her daughter was later found dead," she said.

Traditional Healers Claim Innocence

Traditional healers are often blamed for albino murders. But the spokesperson for Mozambican Association of Traditional Healers (AMETRAMO), Fernando Mathe, denies all knowledge of any such incidents.

He said traditional healers would not use body parts because albinos do not possess anything special that would distinguish them from the rest of us.However, he added that human traffickers misuse the name of the traditional healer for their own purposes.

Many albinos have been kidnapped or murdered in Nampula city in northern Mozambique. It lies close to the border with Tanzania where the government has already declared albinos an endangered minority.

Pedro Cossa from the Nampula police force says the threat to albinos could have come from Mozambique's neighbor but insists that these crimes are not being committed by foreign nationals. Those foreign nationals do, however, incite Mozambicans to persecute albino brothers and sons.

The climate of fear is stopping many children with albinism from attending school in Nampula. Their parents recently asked for permission to send their children to a school in Quelimane, which is some 500 kilometers (311 miles) away.

This prompted teacher and students in that city to stage a protest against the abuse of albinos. When albinos are forced to flee for safety in the own country, then we are dealing with a clear violation of human rights," said teacher Shara Ofumane. "The criminals responsible should be punished in accordance with the law.

Lack Of Public Awareness

A number of kidnappers have already been detained by the police and there have been prosecutions. The government is counting on prevention and has appointed a committee to draw up measures for the protection of people with albinism. The public prosecutor in Nampula has reinstated a commission for the combating of human trafficking.

Security along the borders between Mozambique, Tanzania and Malawi is to be tightened. Public awareness campaigns about albinism - including radio commercials - are also going to be launched.

TANZANIA: This Mother's Day Honour The Special Woman In Your Life With A Gift To Help Mothers Like Jane

As Mother's Day approaches, I would like to introduce you to Jane.

Jane is a single mother, whose son Makungu Baraka has albinism. Makungu's father died before he was born. Her late husband's family rejected Jane and Makungu when they saw he had albinism. Like so many others in Tanzania, they assumed that Makungu's albinism was a curse that made him less than human, less than the beautiful and promising young boy that he is.

Jane was left to fend entirely for herself and Makungu, even fleeing into the night after being warned of a planned attack on her son's life.

He was being targeted by criminals, likely looking to sell his body parts so that witch doctors could make potions that people believe will bring them fortune and good luck.

These are the circumstances your gift helps to change in Tanzania.

It is almost impossible for us to imagine living under such threats. But mothers like Jane live with the looming knowledge that their children can be attacked and even killed. They are on guard all the time.

Jane made her way to Mwanza, where she met Under the Same Sun. They were happy to be able to help her and the son she loves so much.

Today, because of the generosity of caring supporters like you, Makungu is going to school in Under the Same Sun's Education Program. He is receiving the education that will change his life. And he is safe.

Now, Jane attends the "Upendo Wa Mama" Mamas Group started by Under The Same Sun. It is a gathering of mothers like her who support and encourage each other.

Recently, she was able to purchase a sewing machine. Another mom is teaching her to sew and Jane plans to start a tailoring business. She is on the road to self-sufficiency, and she is proud and excited.

This is the story of one mother, and one child. There are so many more. All over Tanzania, Under the Same Sun puts your donations to work to help more mothers and children like Jane and Makungu.

This Mother's Day, would you like to honor your own mother, grandmother, sister or even a friend who inspires you with her courage and strength? Consider making a gift in her name.

100% of your gift goes directly to Tanzania to help mothers like Jane and children like Makungu build a better future. Just click the appropriate flag below to make a secure, online donation.

P.S. When you make a gift we'll send you a beautiful Mother's Day Card that you can email or print out to let the special woman in your life know how she has been honoured.

Jane and mothers like her send their thanks. And....your mother will thank you too.

We are grateful for your generosity.Visit the link below to make a secure, online donation.

http://www.underthesamesun.com/content/donate

Peter Ash
Founder & CEO
Under The Same Sun


About Under The Same Sun (UTSS) And Person With Albinism

Under The Same Sun (UTSS) is a Christian charitable organization that promotes the wellbeing of persons with albinism (PWA) via education and advocacy. In most African countries, PWA are being discriminated against due to folklore arising around skin colour differences. In many of these countries fatal discrimination is occurring.

Watu Kama Sisi Or People Like Us report

In 2014, Under the Same Sun has issued its vision and goals in a report titled Watu Kama Sisi: Reducing Skin Cancer, Stigma and Violence Against Albinos in the Mara Region.

Regarding persecution and health awareness for albinos the purpose of the current project is to dispel any superstitions associated with albinism and the potential for persecution by facilitating workshops in the villages targeting nine key villages in the Mara village where albinos are most prominent: Bukumi, Bugoji, Bwai Kwitururu, Chimati, Chitare, Chumwi, Kataryo, Kiriba and Wanyere.

Here the aims of UTSS sensitize communities to albinism to reduce stigma, discrimination and violence through the form of Educating communities about the facts and falsehoods surrounding albinism, and therefore subsequently increasing community understanding, acceptance and respect toward albinism and the people who are suffering from persecution due to their condition.

UTSS also works on an educational level to provide ways children with albinism with low vision can improve learning abilities and overall aiming to de-stigmatize albinism and facilitate social inclusion and safety of albinos in their families and local community.

Problems with albinism in Africa

Persons with the genetic condition of albinism commonly referred to as "albino" are being targeted for their body parts in witchcraft related killings. It is a common belief in most African countries that the body parts of a person with albinism (PWA) are able to bring them prosperity or luck when made into a potion or talisman by a witchdoctoror traditional healer.

This puts all PWA in grave danger with the result that most live in fear, especially in the months leading up to an election when attacks tend to increase.

In Africa and worldwide, people with albinism are just like everyone else except for the 2 simple differences of low vision and the lack of pigment (colour) in their skin, hair and eyes.

Low vision is a major challenge. Almost all people with albinism are visually impaired, with the majority being classified as legally blind. Their condition, due to a lack of pigmentation in the eyes, causes vulnerability and high sensitivity to bright light making it difficult to see on sunny days and in brightly lit rooms.

As well, they need to be very close to an object to see what most people can see at a distance. In most parts of Africa this is not understood, resulting in the belief that PWA are stupid, and therefore not able to be educated or employed.

Many parents will not send their children with albinism to school, thinking it is a waste of their resources. With a little understanding and a few simple accommodations in the classroom or workplace, PWA are able to function like anyone else if given the chance.

Skin cancer is the number 1 killer of PWA in most equatorial African countries. Since albinism results from a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes, they have no natural protection from the sun's rays.

For example; in Tanzania, less than 10% will live to age 30 and only 2% will live past the age of 40 due to skin cancer. Simple preventive measures such as the use of sun cream, sun glasses and long-sleeve shirts, pants & wide-brimmed hats will significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer.

The emphasis must be placed on proper clothing since sunscreen is rarely available in most African countries and, when found, is too costly for most PWA to afford.

The prevalence of albinism is much higher in Africa. While numbers vary, in North America and Europe it is estimated that 1 in every 17,000 to 20,000 people have some form of albinism. In Tanzania, and throughout East Africa, albinism is much more prevalent, with estimates of 1 in 2,000 people being affected.

In Africa, PWA are viewed as mythical or magical beings instead of human beings. For this reason it is not always safe for them to access public services like hospitals, doctors, police, schools or to simply walk alone since they can never tell who might be looking at them as a source of money or good luck.

This leaves the PWA with nowhere to go when in need and is primarily due to the dehumanizing beliefs about albinism passed down through the generations in mainstream African culture.

Common African folk beliefs about albinism are listed below as portrayed through the eyes of a person with albinism.

We Are Not Mythical Beings But Human Just Like You:

We Do Not Have Normal Vision Or Night Vision: The legends would have you believe that people with albinism have normal vision. In truth, all people with albinism are visually impaired and have extreme sensitivity to light,due to the lack of melanin.

When we are outdoors, it is important for us to wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun. We usually require special glasses or magnifiers in order to read. Additionally we do not have special night vision; it is just easier for us to see when the glare of the sun is not hurting our eyes.

We Are Not Only In Africa:

The stories would have you believe that people with albinism come from, and live only, in Africa. In truth, Albinism occurs in people of every race, tribe and nationality on planet earth. A beautiful thing about our albinism is that it serves as a visual symbol of racial unity worldwide.

When a group of PWA from various nationalities stand alongside one another with the same skin colour, discrimination due to colour loses its power. Unfortunately, this unifying factor has not worked to our advantage within our own people groups because our white pigment stands out and separates us instead.

Refilwe Modiselle, a South African fashion model with albinism said it best: "I'm the symbol of racial unity. I'm a black girl who lives in the skin of a white person and that alone should embody what a human being as a whole should represent."

We Are Not A Curse:

The folk tales would have you believe that people with albinism are a curse from the gods or from dead ancestors and as a result, being in contact with us will bring bad luck, sickness or even death. In truth, our albinism is nothing more, or less, than a genetic condition of the human body.

As such, we are simply human beings just like you and there is nothing magical or supernatural about us. You cannot "catch" albinism by touching us – it is not a disease and it is not contagious.

We Are Not Ghosts Who Vanish And Never Die:

The stories would have you believe that people with albinism never die; that we are not human; that we are ghosts. In truth, the on-going kidnappings in Africa are the reason we "vanish" and the killings demonstrate that people with albinism definitely do die.

Even in western pop culture, we have yet to see a positive and accurate portrayal of people with albinism in the arts, literature and the media. So far, Hollywood continuously portrayed us as villains, demons and ghosts.

We are NOT ghosts. We are humans just like you. Our pale skin and hair is due to a genetic condition which results in us having little or no skin pigment called melanin.

It's Not My Mothers Fault That I Was Born With Albinism:

Some would have you believe that it's my mother's fault that I was born with albinism. In most cases, our mothers are abandoned by our fathers after giving birth to us, saying it is her fault, that she had an affair with a white man or the ghost of a European. In truth, both my mother and my father must carry the albinism gene in order for me to be born with albinism.

We Are Not A Good Luck Charm:

The superstitions would have you believe that a charm or potion made from the body parts of a person with albinism has magical powers; that it bringing its owner wealth, success and good luck. In truth, no one has ever become rich, successful or lucky from the use of body parts from a person with albinism. It comes from working hard.

We Are Not A Cure For AIDS:

False information would have you believe that having sex with a person with albinism will cure AIDS. In truth, no one has ever been cured of AIDS by having sex with a person with albinism. All this does is spread the AIDS virus.

More things you should know about albinism:

Why We Prefer The Term Person With Albinism: An ancient proverb says ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue'. When you call me an albino, I feel like you are equating me to my most visible aspect, my colour, which is the result of a genetic condition called albinism.

As the world advances the dignity of all persons, no one should be referred to solely by their genetic condition or disability. In reality, I am a person first, just like you, and would prefer to be called by my name. If you do want to make reference to my albinism, I would feel more respected if you called me a person with albinism (PWA).

A Dream of Global Equality:

People with albinism worldwide seek a day when what we contribute is not limited because of how we are perceived. We dream of a day when we will take our rightful place in every level of every society, everywhere, at all times. (Peter Ash, Founder & CEO of UTSS)

Equal Opportunity Means Equal Success For Person With Albinism: As a person with albinism, I can achieve life goals just like anyone else. I can succeed in life in education, employment and love and contribute to the growth of my society provided that I am empowered with the relevant resources offered to my fellow citizens without albinism.


My low vision and sun sensitivity can very easily be accommodated for in the classroom and workplace. Sometimes equality means treating people the same, despite their differences, and sometimes it means treating them as equals by accommodating their differences.

Judge Rosalie Abella, Report of the Commission on Equality in Employment, Canada:

I have a dream that one day, people with albinism will take their rightful place throughout every level of society, and that the days of discrimination against persons with albinism will be a faint memory.(Peter Ash, CEO & Founder, Under The Same Sun)

What Is Albinism?: Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition occurring in both genders regardless of ethnicity, in all countries of the world.

Both the father and mother must carry the gene for it to be passed on even if they do not have albinism themselves. The condition results in a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to sun exposure and bright light.

Almost all people with albinism are visually impaired, with the majority being classified as "legally blind". While numbers vary, in North America and Europe it is estimated that 1 in every 20,000 people have some form of albinism. Throughout East Africa, albinism is much more prevalent, with estimates of 1 in 1,400 people being affected.

The term person with albinism is preferred to the term albino.

Finally, due to this discrimination, employers almost always refuse to offer jobs to a PWA because they know that many people will avoid their business. This results in poverty and homelessness for PWA across Africa.