We are thrilled to share with you the some highlights from the past quarter. Thanks to all of our generous supporters who continue to stand with us in protecting, caring for, and empowering students with albinism across Tanzania. These highlights would not be possible without you!
Primary School Highlights
Opening Doors to Future Careers: This quarter, our team arranged career tours for 31 primary school students, aligning with their budding career interests. Students explored a variety of professional environments, including law firms, banks, hospitals, businesses, football clubs, and music studios. These visits offered invaluable insights and inspiration, demonstrating that their dreams are achievable despite the challenges they face.
Life Skills Training: Additionally, 17 primary students participated in health and life-skills training sessions that covered topics like Keys to Success, the Value of Personality, Changes at Puberty, and Saving for the Future. These sessions provided essential knowledge, empowering our students with the tools they need for personal development and growth.
Secondary School Highlights
Teaching Essential Life Skills: Our health behavior training program for secondary students in the Lake Zone continues to thrive. This quarter, students learned about communication and life skills, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy’s impact, STD’s, the effects of alcohol and drugs, peer pressure, youth and adolescence, and navigating friendships and relationships.
Celebrating Milestones: We are celebrating the achievement of 25 high-level students who successfully sat for their National Examination in May 2024. This milestone prepares them for their next steps into colleges and universities.
Extra Academic Support and Guidance: To support academic excellence, we organized an extra tutorial program during the June holiday for 30 secondary students. This program, tailored to accommodate low vision challenges, has been instrumental in helping these students perform in their academic studies.
This quarter, thirty-six high school graduates also participated in a six-day training program that focused on academic concentration, exploring career options, and understanding the Tanzania Commission for Universities Guidebook. By the end, all students were well-prepared to select their preferred courses and universities.
Additionally, parents and guardians of Form Six graduates were invited to a two-day meeting to boost their involvement in their children’s education. It became clear that some parents’ low educational levels had previously hindered their engagement. To address this, our Learning and Career Advancement staff facilitated parent sessions to improve the support system for our students.
College/University Highlight
21 first-year students from various universities and colleges, attended a 3-day training program to support their learning at a higher level. Experienced trainers from the Psychosocial Welfare Organization led sessions on academic goal setting, effective learning strategies, healthy living, navigating social media, communication skills, and financial management. This program complemented their existing curriculum with tailored content for their academic level.
Student Care
Family Reunification: We launched a post-reunification program to evaluate and address challenges following family reunifications. This program involved phone interviews and physical family visits, ensuring continued support and monitoring. We also provided albinism awareness seminars to family members and neighboring communities, reaching about 2,300 people. While we know the significance of being reunited with family, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our students is of utmost importance to us.
Healthcare Initiatives
Our 2024 low vision checkup saw 198 students attend the clinic, with 165 receiving prescription spectacles. Additionally, 121 students participated in skin screenings, with all provided with sunscreen lotion and hats. We are pleased to report that most students showed no early signs of skin cancer, reflecting their commitment to skin protection.
Thank you!
These highlights would not be possible without the kindness and generosity of people like you. Your support empowers us to make a real difference for students with albinism. This year, we have been heartbroken by recent attacks against people with albinism in Tanzania, underscoring the dangers and discrimination they still face. We remain committed to fighting for their protection and are profoundly grateful for your support.
