"Albinism, Albinism"

"Albinism, Albinism" - An Exploration of Light, Nature and Albinism is a photo-series I shot this year in Tanzania in collaboration with The Josephat Torner Foundation and Hope Delivery Foundation. This series is a celebration of people living with albinism, a genetic condition which affects how our bodies produce melanin – the colourant of hair, skin, and eyes. In 2009, Tanzania saw a spike in attacks against people with albinism fuelled by witch doctors and a belief that people with albinism, especially children, hold magical powers. The Tanzanian government has since put in place strict measures to protect the community. It is now a capital crime to kill someone with albinism and many children have been relocated into shelters (a move which has been criticised). Widespread reeducation policies continue to be developed and have made a huge impact on the media, which plays an important role in raising awareness.

While shooting "Albinism, Albinism" I met Nasibu, a young Tanzanian university student and musician going by the stage name Termino Smile, who is featured in the images. I was very touched by his story, the discrimination he had faced because of his skin condition, his passion for education and his unwavering love for music. 

Many Tanzanian people with albinism struggle to access well-paid jobs and they work mainly as volunteers. This makes it almost impossible for young people like Nasibu to be able to pay for their education fees without some external help. I decided to do this photo-series first to create awareness around the realities faced by people with albinism in Tanzania and now I have started this fundraiser as an actionable second step.

These funds are meant to cover for Nasibu's university fees for the next two years as well as serve as a donation to The Josephat Torner Foundation and Hope Delivery Foundation so that they can keep on doing the great work they are doing in providing help and assistance for people living with albinism in Tanzania.