About Us

Harry is the Founder and Executive Director of Standing Voice and an award-winning British documentary filmmaker and photographer. Harry’s film work has covered a wide range of human rights issues and taken him to remote corners of the world. The extraordinary global response to his BBC and PBS feature documentary In the Shadow of the Sun, led him to founding Standing Voice with Anton Bilton in 2013. Under Harry’s leadership Standing Voice has grown into a one of the foremost human rights charities defending the rights of persons with albinism in Africa, known around the world for its pioneering response to this issue. Harry provides executive management across Standing Voice's operations and oversees key partner and funder relationships.

Jon Beale is Standing Voice's Director of Development and is responsible for the charity's global operations. He has extensive experience promoting social justice through organisations in Africa and in the UK. Jon has worked with a number of groups facing societal challenges, including torture survivors, political detainees, asylum seekers, orphaned children in rural Kenya, children with autism and ADHD, and people with albinism in Tanzania. Jon is also an experienced researcher, with a particular interest in the cyclical nature of trauma in society and the impact of conflict and extremism on human rights in Africa. Prior to Standing Voice's establishment Jon worked as Swahili Translator for In the Shadow of the Sun. He holds a First Class degree in African Language (Swahili) and Culture from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), London.

Dr Rebecca Kammer is Standing Voice's Vision Programme Director across Tanzania. She has been an Associate Professor of Optometry and Chief of Low Vision at the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) for thirteen years. She has Diplomate status in the American Academy of Optometry and several awards for leadership in the field. That same year, she completed her PhD in Education, which focused specifically on innovative teaching that promotes critical thinking. Since 2010 Dr Kammer has provided vision care to over 600 people with albinism in Tanzania. She resides in the U.S. but visits Tanzania at least twice a year to oversee delivery of the Standing Voice Vision Programme.

As Standing Voice’s Fundraising and Communications Officer, Giovanna is responsible for raising essential funds and awareness to support the delivery of Standing Voice’s work in Tanzania and Malawi. Giovanna has a strong background in fundraising, digital campaigning and advocacy, and joins us from the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. She holds a BA in International Studies and a BA in History from Loyola University Chicago, and an MSc in African Politics from SOAS University of London.

Christiane holds a Master's of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Montreal School of Public Health. For her MPH practice, Christiane collaborated with the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS) to analyse the stigmatisation of persons with albinism in Tanzania and its impact on their access to healthcare. She has recently designed a research project to analyse the impact of magic-religious beliefs on the health, education and access to legal support of persons with albinism in several regions of Mozambique. Committed to advocating for marginalised populations and questioning the systems that threaten their human rights and normalise their intersectional oppression, Christiane has worked with multiple populations including migrants at the border between Mexico and the USA (in Mexicali and Tijuana), survivors of the FARC conflict in the Pacific area of Colombia, people who use drugs in Tanzania and refugee claimants in Montreal, Canada. She currently works with Doctors Without Borders Canada as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

Born and raised on Ukerewe Island, Alex was orphaned at four years of age and spent his formative years moving from family to family. These early experiences inspired Alex to work with deprived communities, with a particular focus on orphans and vulnerable children. He has worked as a Translator and Tanzanian Production Coordinator on the BBC feature-length documentary film In the Shadow of the Sun, and has played a particularly active role in the development and operation of Standing Voice’s Umoja Training Centre. Fluent in five languages and deeply sensitised to the cultures of the Lake Region of Tanzania, he brings lived experience to our work.

Robi was born and raised in Tarime, a rural District in the Mara region of Tanzania. He studied Project Management with a view to helping those less fortunate than himself. He has worked with the Peter Hewitt Care for Africa Foundation Inc that provides communities with access to clean water, health care and opportunity. He also has extensive experience working in Street Children programmes in Dar es Salaam. He currently leads monitoring, evaluation and learning processes for Standing Voice's programmes in Tanzania.

Mary supports Standing Voice’s project delivery in Tanzania through her administrative and accounting background. She was born and raised in Tanzania and attained a degree in Business Administration with specialisations in accounting and finance. Before joining Standing Voice, Mary was a Project Officer with an organisation that helps farmers to earn a sustainable income by developing their agriculture techniques and agribusiness acumen. Mary enjoys applying her passion for numbers and administration in service of Standing Voice's mission to empower people with albinism in Tanzania.

Kaballa Maganja is Standing Voice’s Health Programmes Coordinator for Northern and Western Tanzania. He has extensive experience in Public Health, and has worked with a number of marginalised groups including: children and youth; young women living with HIV; and women working in recreational facilities like street food stalls, bars and hotels in Dar es Salaam and the Mwanza and Mara Regions. Kaballa is also an experienced researcher, specialising in the spread and effects of STIs including HIV. Before joining Standing Voice, he was a Project Officer for AMREF Health Africa. Kaballa holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London.

Chrispine is a diploma holder in Aquaculture with five years of experience working with both national and international NGOs in Tanzania. His work has influenced community development with a range of interventions targeting child and maternal nutrition, social accountability monitoring, child protection, primary healthcare, and water and sanitation projects. His lobbying and advocacy skills have been critical in his work empowering the voices of marginalised groups and enhancing local government accountability through negotiation at regional, district, and international levels. Chrispine is passionate about guaranteeing the rights of women, youth, children under five, people living with HIV/AIDS, elderly people and the disabled. He is currently working for Standing Voice as our Welfare Manager.

Born and raised in Tanzania, Tuju has eight years’ experience as the Secretary General for the Mwanza branch of the Tanzanian Albinism Society. He has also taught at Kirumba Primary School since 2009, and, as the beneficiary of the Standing Voice Education Scholarship Fund, has completed his bachelor’s degree in Arts with Education. Tuju is our Education Support Officer, and provides support to beneficiaries across our multiple health, education and advocacy programmes.

Theresia previously volunteered with Standing Voice in Mwanza, before joining the organisation as a field officer. With a background in human geography and poverty alleviation, and a bachelor's degree from Mwenge Catholic University in Moshi, Theresia provides vital support to the delivery of our health programmes across the Tanzanian lake zone

Vedastus originally became involved with Standing Voice following his starring role in the documentary In the Shadow Of The Sun. Since then, he has completed secondary school with the support of Standing Voice’s Education Programme and is now pursuing a career in radio production and journalism. As our UTC Support Officer, Vedastus provides on-the-ground assistance to many of our operations at the Umoja Training Centre on Ukerewe Island.

Lilian was born and raised in Arusha, Tanzania. Prior to volunteering for Standing Voice, Lilian pursued a Master's in Monitoring and Evaluation at the Open University of Tanzania and volunteered for a number of NGOs including Raleigh International. As an Impact Officer, she is passionate about measuring and understanding the changes enabled by our programmes.

Valelia was born and raised on Ukerewe Island and attained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics from Mwenge Catholic University in Moshi. Before joining Standing Voice, she worked as a Mathematics teacher at Mzigu school in Mwanza.

Born and raised on Ukerewe Island, Tanzania, Innocent graduated from Dodoma University with a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Cultural Heritage. Thereafter he worked on projects with women living in extreme poverty, those raising orphans, and HIV+ mothers. Innocent was inspired to work with Standing Voice because of the organisation's commitment to ending human rights abuses against persons with albinism.

Born in Kilimanjaro and raised in Dar es Salaam, Ramadhan works across all of Standing Voice's programmes. Ramadhan's previous experience in youth development projects, combined with his background in accounting and finance, make him an ideal leader of community collaboration.

Born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Thelma has a diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy and is currently completing her Bachelor’s in Community Economic Development at the Open University of Tanzania.

Born and raised in Mwanza, Tanzania, Victoria pursued a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics at Mwenge Catholic University before working as a Research assistant at Mwanza International Trial Unity (MITU) under the National Institution of Medical Research in Tanzania. She now works as a Field Officer for Standing Voice, facilitating delivery of our life-saving programmes on the ground.

As our Country Manager in Malawi, Bonface is responsible for coordinating the operation of our programmes and development of our partnerships in Malawi. He holds a degree in Agriculture from Bunda College, a Master's in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and a certificate in leadership from the University of Virginia Presidential Precinct under the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Bonface has over eight years' experience working in senior management positions and civil society leadership in Malawi. He has worked on disability programmes and as an advocate for the rights of persons with albinism in Malawi and across Africa. He has received a number of awards and accolades in recognition of his contribution to the protection of human rights in this area.

Chimwemwe works with Standing Voice as Programme Coordinator in Malawi. Her role involves coordinating project activities across all of Standing Voice’s operations in Malawi including skin cancer prevention services, trauma recovery and security interventions, and the implementation of COVID-19 crisis management initiatives. Chimwemwe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from the University of Malawi Chancellor College, majoring in Sociology. In the past eight years, she has focused her work in designing, implementing, advocating, monitoring and evaluating interventions targeting vulnerable groups in society, mainly persons with disabilities, girls and women, orphans and vulnerable children, and people living with HIV/AIDS. She has worked for multiple NGOs including the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi as Programme Officer and as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Forum for African Women Educationalist in Malawi (FAWEMA).

As our Clinical Coordinator, Dr Kaseko is instrumental in the management and delivery of clinical care through Standing Voice's health programmes in Malawi. Dr Kaseko previously worked as a Dermato-Venereology Officer in the skin department at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, where she ran weekly skincare clinics for people with albinism.

Carol is currently the Practice Manager at Edenpark Surgery, a progressive GP-training practice based in a deprived part of North Dublin. Her background is in business administration and large-scale project management, in Dublin and also London. As a board member of community organisation SAFE, Carol has spent many years working with marginalised groups in her practice area. She also has experience volunteering and fundraising for a number of charities at home and abroad. In 2013, Carol and her family spent six months volunteering in Malawi, where she taught English in a village secondary school. Her work there exposed her first-hand to the NGO sector in Malawi, and gave her new insight into the marginalisation faced by people with albinism in the country. Since then, Carol has been committed to establishing skincare services for people with albinism in Malawi, and is facilitating the replication of Standing Voice’s Skin Cancer Prevention Programme there to that effect.

Anton Bilton is an economics graduate of City University London. Anton is Executive Deputy Chairman of London Stock Exchange-Listed Raven Russia Ltd. He has been a founder and director of three other public companies that have floated on London's AIM. Anton's philanthropic efforts are focused through his own charity, The Bilton Charitable Foundation, and through Standing Voice, which he was inspired to co-found after watching In the Shadow of the Sun.

Sabine is a PR professional with over a decade of professional publicity experience. She is the founder of Zetteler Creative Publicity, a London-based agency specialising in PR, marketing, filmmaking and events for people, brands and institutions operating in the fields of design, craft and art. She holds a degree in management and sustainability, and is closely involved with a number of charitable initiatives alongside Standing Voice, including Hackney Winter Night Shelter and Crisis at Christmas.

Gurmeet brings a wealth of experience from her background in Finance and International development. She started her career in Finance and switched to international development almost a decade ago driven by her passion for providing opportunities to those who are less privileged. Most recently, she headed up Impact Funds investments at the CDC Group where she was responsible for setting up the investment strategy and building a portfolio of investments in East Africa, West Africa and South Asia. As a result, Gurmeet has spent a large amount of time across Africa and Asia looking at businesses that serve the poor and marginalised. Prior to this role, she worked at the Children's Investment Fund Foundation where she was responsible for grants targeting significant maternal and child health improvements in Africa

Sr Martha Mganga is a community support worker and advocate based in Arusha, Tanzania. As the seventh child born into her family, but the first with albinism, Sr Martha was ostracised by her family and community throughout childhood. She overcame discrimination to enrol in a religious training programme in Kenya, before dedicating herself to the protection of children with albinism through family counselling and community sensitisation. Sr Martha later founded Peacemakers for Albinism and Community, a grassroots civil society organisation working to empower people with albinism through community advocacy and vocational training. Sr Martha brings invaluable lived experience as a woman with albinism and a depth of expertise as a community mobiliser to our Board of Trustees in Tanzania.

Tadala Peggy Chinkwezule is a trained lawyer with over 10 years of practice experience and the current President of the Women Lawyers Association of Malawi. Tadala holds a Bachelor of Law Degree Hons from the University of Malawi, and a Masters in Human Rights and Democratisation (LLM) from the University of Pretoria. She works for the AHL Group PLC as Legal Services Manager and serves as Company Secretary for one of the subsidiaries AHL Commodities Exchange. Prior to working at AHL, Tadala worked as Legal Counsel for the Malawi Revenue Authority and as a Senior Legal Aid Advocate for the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau, then under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Tadala is passionate about the promotion and protection of human rights, especially the rights of people with albinism, women and children.

Mr Andrew Sharp was raised in East Africa, undertaking his surgical training in the UK and Zimbabwe. For many years he combined general practice with a hospital surgical post in Leicester, UK. In 2014 he left general practice to focus on his role in skin cancer management and surgery in the Department of Dermatology in Leicester. He is a member of the British Society of Dermatological Surgeons, a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Owing to his strong interest in skills-training for medical professionals who manage skin cancer in people with albinism, he first joined Standing Voice as a volunteer in 2017. Dr. Sharp now leads in the development of surgical training in Standing Voice’s Skin Cancer Prevention Programme.

Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin is a board-certified dermatologist practising in New York City, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, clinical attending professor at New York University Langone Health, clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Department of Dermatology, and Founder and Director of Entière Dermatology. She is committed to the education and training of dermatologists by serving as a reviewer for numerous medical journals, performing clinical research trials, and lecturing at national professional meetings. Dr. Levin’s interest in training local healthcare providers in Africa began when she spent a year performing research in Kaposi’s Sarcoma in Uganda. Since that time, she has undertaken research, delivered dermatological care, and taught dermatology in Thailand, Botswana, and Uganda.

Dr. Levin plays a leading role in Standing Voice’s contributions to research and training in skin cancer prevention.

Dr. Daudi Mavura is the current Principal of the Regional Dermatology Training Center (RDTC) and Senior Lecturer of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College in Moshi, Tanzania. Dr. Mavura holds a Medical Degree from the University of Carlos J. Finlay (Cuba) and a Master's of Medicine degree in Dermatovenereology from Tumaini University (Tanzania). Dr. Mavura specialised in dermatosurgery, developing his knowledge at UKT-Germany and the Univesidad de Alcalá de Henares in Spain. Dr. Mavura has published and co-authored several papers, primarily in tropical dermatology.

Through Standing Voice’s partnership with the RDTC, Dr. Mavura plays an instrumental role in developing the expertise of community dermatologists enrolled in Standing Voice’s Skin Cancer Prevention Programme.

Dr Mark Wheeler is a GP with a particular interest in dermatology. He worked as a GP in Australia before becoming a GP Principal in Hove, UK. In 1997 he moved with his family to Ireland to practise in Dublin. He is the Senior Partner at Edenpark Surgery, a progressive teaching and GP-training practice in Dublin. He serves on the Board of the Irish Skin Foundation and is a member of both the Primary Care Dermatology Society of Ireland and the Primary Care Surgical Association. Dr Wheeler was also the medical adviser for the Irish charity To Russia with Love and is currently the doctor for the Howth RNLI in Dublin. In 2013 he undertook a sabbatical working as a volunteer doctor in a clinic in Malawi. Since then, he has been collaborating with Malawian dermatologist, Dr Kelvin Mponda, to develop a skincare programme for people with albinism in Malawi. In Spring 2016 he joined forces with Standing Voice to pursue this shared goal.

Professor Saka is a Togolese Dermatologist and Professor in Dermatology at the Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire (CHU) Sylvanus Olympio de Lomé, Togo. Professor Saka has made vital contributions to the prevention and management of skin diseases among people with albinism in Togo. He is a member of the Togolese Society of Dermatology (SOTODERM) and the French Society of Dermatology (SFD), and has over 90 publications in international and African medical journals. Professor Saka provides vital support and guidance to the Committee and implementation team on the international replication of the Skin Cancer Prevention Programme in Francophone African countries.

Dr Meteru is a Senior Community Dermatologist working within Standing Voice’s Skin Cancer Prevention Programme. He carried out his formal training at KCMC Hospital in Moshi, Tanzania, and has worked as a Community Dermatologist in Sengerema District Hospital since 2009, where he also teaches and trains Clinical Officers. Dr Meteru oversees programme clinics in five regions of Tanzania.

Dr Baluhya is a Community Dermatologist working within Standing Voice's Skin Cancer Prevention Programme. He currently works at Misungwi District Hospital in the Mwanza Region of Tanzania. He began as a Clinical Officer before completing a Diploma in Clinical Medicine followed by an Advanced Diploma in Dermato-Venereology. He studied at the KCMC Hospital in Moshi, Tanzania. Dr Baluhya works across our programme clinics in the Mwanza and Shinyanga Regions of Tanzania.

Dr Mhini is a Community Dermatologist working as part of Standing Voice’s Skin Cancer Prevention Programme. He gained his formal qualifications and accreditations at KCMC Hospital in Moshi, Tanzania. Dr Mhini works across our programme clinics in the Kigoma Region of Tanzania.

Dr Nelson is a Community Dermatologist working within Standing Voice’s Skin Cancer Prevention Programme. He gained his formal qualifications and accreditations at KCMC Hospital in Moshi, Tanzania. Dr Nelson works across our programme clinics in the Mara Region of Tanzania.

Dr Venance is a Community Dermatologist working as part of Standing Voice’s Skin Cancer Prevention Programme. He gained his formal qualifications and accreditations at KCMC Hospital in Moshi, Tanzania. Dr Venance works across our programme clinics in the Sengerema, Geita and Chato areas of Tanzania.

Dr Mkamwa holds an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Medicine, currently working at the Nzega District Hospital in Tabora. She has previously worked with a number of NGOs such as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in programmes like the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission and early childhood development. She is currently completing her dermatology course at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi, Tanzania.

Dr Ntibachunya is a Community Dermatologist, currently working at Buhigwe District Hospital in Kigoma, Tanzania. Dr Ntibachunya holds an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Medicine followed by an Advanced Diploma in Dermatovenereology, studying at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College in Moshi, Tanzania.

Dr Peter holds an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Medicine with over 20 years’ experience in the field. She studied at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre, where she specialised in skin diseases and STIs (Including Leprosy and HIV). Dr Peter now works as a Community Dermatologist, helping people with albinism learn to care for their skin through skin cancer prevention.

Dr Mmbando works at Kagera Regional Hospital as a Community Dermatologist following her graduation from the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in 2019. She has worked in government hospitals for 23 years, having started her career as a Clinical Officer. During her time working for the hospital, she has provided care and treatment to her community, and is qualified as a professional counsellor and trainer of trainers for gender-based violence and violence against children.

Dr Nkulu has worked with Standing Voice since 2018, where he helped facilitate mobile skincare clinics for people with albinism. He trained at Bugando Medical Centre and also at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, specialising in dermatology.

Dr Bigawa currently works at Morogoro Regional Hospital and holds a BA in Sociology, attained at the Open University of Dar es Salaam, and an Advanced Diploma in Dermatovenereology from the Regional Dermatology Training Centre (RDTC) in Moshi. He has worked as a clinician at Biharamulo District Hospital, and Rulenge Hospital (a voluntary agency in Ngara, Kagera). Dr Bigawa has worked with NGOs such as Help Age International, training health workers on geriatric care and the establishment of accessible healthcare services for older people.

Dr Simba is a Community Dermatologist, training at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre from 1995 to 1997, gaining an Advanced Diploma in Radiology. He is head of Radiology and Dermatology at his hospital and is a member of the Hospital Management Team.

Dr Kumbweza completed his Diploma in Clinical Medicine at Malawi Adventist University. He worked as a General Clinical Officer before starting work at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at Mangochi District Hospital. He is currently completing his Advanced Diploma in Dermatovenereology at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi, Tanzania. Dr Kumbeweza has helped deliver outreach clinics for people with albinism, screening their skin for signs of skin cancer and conducting surgeries for those with operable lesions.

Dr Mwale works as a Dermatovenereology Officer at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi. He studied Dermatology at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi, Tanzania, specialising in albinism. Following his training, he launched an albinism clinic at the hospital he was based at, providing weekly skincare check-ups for people with albinism in his area.

Dr Msukwa works as a Dermatology and Psychiatric Clinical Officer at Nkhotakota District Hospital in Malawi, following her completion of her Advanced Diploma in Clinical Dermatology at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Medicine in Mental Health from St John of God College of Health Sciences. She conducts outreach skin clinics for people with albinism, managing the Skin Cancer Prevention Programme’s services in the Nkhotakota District.

Dr Mtoto is a Dermatovenereologist who trained at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre from 2005-2007. He has 15 years’ experience working on the front line of skincare and currently works in Zomba Central Hospital as Head of the Dermatology Unit with a special interest in albinism. He also teaches students at the Malawi College of Health Sciences.

Abdi is a Community Optometrist working within Standing Voice’s Vision Programme. He is also currently an optometrist and tutor at the Kilimanjaro School of Optometry. Trained in low vision services in India as well as Tanzania, Abdi brings global perspective to our work, providing appropriate vision devices to people with albinism. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Optometry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Hanifa is an Optometrist and Low Vision Specialist with 10 years working experience in the field throughout East Africa. She is a Community Optometrist working within Standing Voice’s Vision Programme and has been involved since March 2016. Hanifa has assisted the set-up of low vision services across Tanzania, and training for those in contact with visually impaired members of the public, including through our Vision Ambassadors programme. She uses her vast experience working with children with low vision at The Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre and elsewhere to develop our programme across Tanzania. Hanifa works to ensure people with albinism live lives free from easily avoided hardships like low vision and stigma that result from lack of knowledge and understanding.

Between 2006 and 2009, Diana studied for a diploma of optometry at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, during which time she worked with several organisations improving ocular health in rural communities. After graduating, Diana began work at Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation Tanzania, a healthcare organisation aimed at preventing and treating disability. In the role, she gained valuable knowledge of refractive errors in the eyes of people with albinism, and their treatment. Since joining Standing Voice, Diana has deepened her experience of working alongside people with albinism, and is eager to expand her expertise and promote a greater level of awareness and understanding around the difficulties faced by people with the condition.

Kanuti was born and raised in the Kilimanjaro region of northern Tanzania. Between 2006 and 2009, he studied at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, where he acquired a diploma in optometry. He then spent three years working as an optometrist and tutor at the school, before pursuing a Bachelor’s in optometry in Malawi. He has been working with Standing Voice’s Vision Programme for three years, alongside his position as tutor and clinical supervisor at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre’s School of Optometry.

Redempta Kessy is an optometrist specialising in diabetic retinopathy screening, grading and low vision therapy, working at Muhimbili National Hospital since 2013. She completed her training at the School of Optometry in Kilimanjaro and the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, spending a period of time also studying at the University of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in the UK. She now works for Standing Voice’s Vision Programme and hopes to continue making people with albinism smile by improving their vision.