Tanzania has one of the largest populations of albinos in the world -- an estimated 170,000.
(Positive Exposure/Rick Guidotti)
In Tanzania, life with albinism is a near death sentence. Fifty-four people with albinism have been murdered since 2007 -- their limbs hacked off and sold on the black market. Many locals believe there are magical properties in the blood, bones and skin of people with albinism.
Aside from gruesome attacks, Tanzanian albinos -- unprotected for a lifetime under the scorching African sun -- often die of painful skin cancer in their thirties.
The threat to albinos is spreading throughout the continent. Organizations are working in Tanzania to help protect children and adults with albinism.
Under the Same Sun (UTSS): A Canadian charity founded in 2008 by Peter Ash, UTSS focuses in Tanzania on the education and eradication of prejudice and discrimination that has plagued people with albinism. They help schools that provide refuge for children living with albinism and have set a goal of providing scholarships to 100 students with albinism to receive an education. They also work on an individual level to help people with albinism who are in crisis. To donate money supporting their various Tanzania projects, CLICK HERE.
Positive Exposure: Founded in 1997 by former fashion photographer Rick Guidotti, Positive Exposure, "challenges the stigma associated with difference by celebrating the beauty of human diversity." Through photographic and interview workshops, the organization seeks to promote self-esteem and self-advocacy. In Tanzania, the organization helps support public awareness programs, including a documentary, which will be distributed throughout the country to help eradicate prejudice and discrimination of those with albinism. To support the organization's Tanzania projects, CLICK HERE.
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