THE STUDENT

- Vedastus -

By Standing Voice

February 8^th, 2017

They say I'm bad luck. Doomed to live a bad life.

Educating me, they say, is a waste of money.

People believe a person with albinism never dies: we merely disappear. White demons. Ghosts who float on water.

Sex with a person with albinism can cure HIV/AIDS and infertility. But albinism is also contagious: touch a person with albinism and you'll catch it; befriend one, or share their clothes, and your children will be born with the condition. These are the things people believe.

I was born here on Ukerewe Island, in a village called Musozi. My father walked out when I was three days old, blaming my mother for my albinism. I haven't seen him since; I don't know where he lives, or what he looks like. My mother stands by me to this day: she raised me; she fed me. She still takes care of me now, buys me clothes, ensures I survive. My mother is my champion and protector. She has always guarded me from harm's way.

In primary school I was segregated because of the colour of my skin. My teacher either didn't understand my visual impairment, or he didn't care. My needs were ignored. In the end, I was driven out. I stayed at home and taught myself about electronics. I occupied myself by making things, and fixing broken appliances: I was an inventor, a creator.

For a long time, I was my only teacher.

But my dream, always, was to attend a school with other children where I would be respected and included. This wish came true when Standing Voice sponsored me to receive a secondary education on the mainland. This enabled me to leave Ukerewe for the first time and see other parts of my country. I recently graduated, with my mother by my side. It was a very happy day.

Even though my peers and community excluded me, I forgive them now. One day others will see that a person with albinism can achieve anything. We are just like anybody else: normal.

'God's creation is perfect. He made me the way I am. He made no mistake when he made me.'

Since graduation, I've returned home to my island to live with my mother. Now I have a new dream: I want to go to media school to train to be a TV and radio presenter. At the moment, Standing Voice employs me to work as a Field Officer in their Skin Cancer Prevention clinics.

I did not know much about albinism before I met Standing Voice. Through them, I've learnt about my condition. I receive access to sunscreen, and vision devices that help me read. My skin is in much better condition than before; I went to a wedding in my former village recently, and everyone crowded round me, shocked by the improvement.