"If you are born with albinism, you face many challenges. That is why I speak."
I was born on Ukerewe Island. I've lived here all my life.
I am part of the Kajanja family. We are famous on Ukerewe for the number of people with albinism in our family tree. My mother and father had albinism, and so do all my siblings, so I never encountered stigma at home as a child. It was normal to have albinism in our family. Our parents told us about our needs.
Outside my family, the situation was different. In primary school, teachers didn't understand my visual impairment. I couldn't see the board properly, so my grades were poor. People believed that if you touched or looked at a person with albinism, you'd bear children with albinism. My peers knew this, so they avoided being near me or shaking my hand. If I went close, they would walk away.
When I was still young, my parents passed away. I left primary school, and never reached secondary.
As an adult, I have sought to integrate myself into my community. Whenever there are funerals or ceremonies I make sure to participate and help out.
"I am a social person by nature; I will not isolate myself."
Today, I have made a name for myself as an entrepreneur. I make pots, stoves, and other kitchen utensils. My business does well. I am proud of the talent God has given me; it makes other realise that even a person with albinism can make it in this world.
I thank God for Standing Voice. The team are always there for me whenever I have problems.
They have even provided support for my business.
Growing up, I never had access to sunscreen. My siblings and I would use normal moisturiser to protect our skin, but this never worked. Because of Standing Voice, we have clinics now, and sick patients get the treatment they need.