I was born in 1959 in Nansio Town on Ukerewe Island, Tanzania. I was one of eight siblings, four of whom had albinism. Our albinism strengthened the love we had in our family and our parents cared for us all the same. We were one of the only families to have children with albinism on the island so we became well known in our community.

I did not attend school until I was 15. I was the oldest student in a class of more than 60. I started so late because I was fearful of being teased by other children. Contrary to my expectations, however, there was no stigma at school. Students had become accustomed to people with albinism, especially considering my brothers with albinism had already attended the same school. Despite struggling in the classroom due to my low vision, I still managed to attain good grades and was elected head prefect.

It was not until my father died when I was 18 that I began to notice our relatives treating us differently. My cousin did not want me and my siblings with albinism to play outside when guests were visiting the house. He said it would be embarrassing for strangers to see us. From time to time, when we weren’t at school, we would be locked inside. My mother did not approve of the way our relatives treated us but when she wasn’t around, that was our life. It was an extremely hard time, especially as my father had been the main breadwinner for the home.

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March 8th, 2022

In conversation with Standing Voice

The Singers

- Neema -

Speaking Out

2021 so far

March 8^th, 2022