These questions are rarely answered in contemporary research on people with albinism in Africa. Too often, we hear only the sad stories, with no parallel exploration of the positive weapons and instruments people with albinism have devised to succeed.

It was in the context of this research climate that Standing Voice embarked two years ago on a project to uncover empowering narratives of strength among people with albinism in Tanzania and Uganda. Specifically, the project explored the agents and facilitators of change that people with albinism and their families use to succeed at various life stages, from birth through to education, employment, and starting a family. Led by Dr Patricia Lund of Coventry University and funded by the International Foundation of Applied Disability Research (FIRAH), the project was delivered by Standing Voice in Tanzania (with the local support of New Light Children Center Organization [NELICO]) and Advantage Africa in Uganda (partnering locally with the Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism [SNUPA]).

November saw the completion of this project, as the research teams revisited communities across Tanzania and Uganda to disseminate findings and obtain participants’ feedback. In Tanzania, Standing Voice’s Communications Manager Sam Clarke travelled with Dr Lund and representatives of NELICO to Geita and Ukerewe Island: the original locations where research was conducted. There, the team conducted home visits to share the progress of the project with previous contributors.

Bonface Massah

March 8th, 2022

In conversation with Standing Voice

The Singers

- Neema -

Speaking Out

March 8^th, 2022