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Disadvantage and Marginalization
Disadvantage and Marginalization
Here in Tanzania, most people practice subsistence farming as work and to provide necessary food. Because of the threat of skin cancer, persons with albinism (PWAs) must avoid subsistence farming and find alternative, indoor work, placing them at a disadvantage. As an alternative, some try to open small shops selling food, stationery, clothing, or general supplies. But where superstitions abound, most people won't buy from them due to worries of contagion. Even employers can be reluctant to hire them. Either they have these superstitions themselves, or they know that their customers do, and can't afford to take the risk on their business.
The better answer is for people with albinism to be able to work indoors in places where they will be hired or be self-employed. Some options available in Tanzania are teaching, tour guiding, office work, healthcare, and engineering. But all these require at least a secondary education, and less than half of the children with albinism complete the 7th grade.
In addition, a history of discrimination for the PWA community means that many are economically disadvantaged. For women in particular, they can often end up in abusive relationships due to their vulnerability, leaving them particularly susceptible to economic hardship.
How We Help
How We Help
Our first effort at vocational training began in 2014, when an American friend volunteered to come teach women with albinism how to sew. We were also able to provide workshop space, sewing machines, and financial support for the startup. The women learned quickly, with designs adapted for low vision, and by the end of the first week, they were making placemats and table runners. All were made with traditional Tanzanian material (called vitenge) that was purchased locally. They sold mainly to friends who visited, as well as a local museum.
The Albino Peacemakers Sewing Group now makes more than twenty different items, which they sell locally to tour companies and at fairs, restaurants, and locally as well as internationally. They are completely self-sustaining, and they also contribute 10% of all sales to Albino Peacemakers' Education Program.
We have also had friends come forward with a desire to sponsor vocational training or higher education for a person with albinism. Among the graduates are an accountant, a teacher, and an engineer, and a doctor.
A pop-up shop stocked with products from the Albino Peacemakers Sewing Group
WHAT YOU CAN DO
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Sponsor a person with albinism to get on their feet economically. This can be as a sewing trainee, a small business start-up, a local vocational training program, or higher education. We also set up pop-up shops for local events. Contact us for more information or questions.
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