SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Isack Abel received a scholarship to attend the University of Iringa

By Standing Voice

November 10^th, 2017

Any student moving into university could be forgiven for being anxious. New faces, new independence, a departure from the safety of home. It’s hard to imagine how it must feel, then, begin university after spending your adolescence locked away, watching the world go by from a distance. Isack Abel, a young beneficiary of Standing Voice’s Education Scholarship Programme in Tanzania, found himself in that very position.

Isack was fortunate to be raised by caring and accepting parents. Abel Nsomi and Christina Nyarobi did their best to provide Isack with all the support he needed. Many in Tanzania are not so accepting. Children with albinism are often made to eat meals in separate parts of the house, or hidden away entirely. When Isack ventured beyond the confines of his home, he found himself marginalised, rejected by his community.

"The discrimination I felt due to my albinism meant that I could never say what I thought. Nobody listened to my opinion. I couldn't participate in any of the community activities."

Misconceptions about people with albinism are rife in Tanzania. Many believe people with albinism possess mystical powers, even hunting them for body parts. For a time, it seemed that every time Isack’s parents turned on the radio, they heard about another murder or mutilation of a child with albinism. They feared for Isack’s safety, especially on his long walks to school.

In response to the killings, the Tanzanian government has attempted to protect the vulnerable by placing them in protectorate centres. In 2010, Isack’s parents sent him to one such camp, known as Buhangija. Isack spent many of his formative years in Buhangija, leaving only under the supervision of guards to attend school.

People with albinism are guilty of no crime. Their isolation in protectorates, even if for their own security, cannot be viewed as a just solution to the violence and ignorance of others. Life in protectorates is difficult. Education standards are poor, and healthcare is minimal. Time spent in protectorates further isolates people with albinism. Their chances of being accepted back into their communities diminish further.

Standing Voice are actively combating segregation. We firmly believe that people with albinism are capable of leading fulfilling lives and making valuable contributions to society. To this end, we sponsor vulnerable children and young people with albinism to participate in mainstream education.

With Standing Voice’s support, Isack was able to complete further education despite financial difficulties in his family. "Our family faced some financial difficulties, meaning I was never able to attend school. This was before I became involved with Standing Voice". Isack completed diplomas in community development at the University of Iringa.

"My fellow students understood that I had albinism and didn't treat me differently. Most of my teachers were understanding too. They gave me support where I needed it."

With his diploma, Isack has now qualified to study further, and he is looking forward to completing his Bachelor’s degree at Iringa.

Despite the dangers he faced, Isack was able to celebrate his joy in learning. "I really enjoyed my time at the University of Iringa. My favourite subject of all was learning about community development." As Isack prepares for a bright future, he is hoping to give back to Tanzanian society.

"I want to be a community officer. I've been inspired by Standing Voice to work for sustainable development and to change negative attitudes in society."