It’s been a powerful few months at Under The Same Sun. With your support, our students with albinism have taken major steps forward, not just in the classroom, but in health, homecoming, and hope for the future.
Living with albinism in Tanzania comes with daily challenges; from low-vision to sun-related health risks to family rejection driven by stigma. But this update is filled with stories that show what happens when those challenges are met with compassion, opportunity, and your generous care.
🚌 From Mwanza to Dodoma: An encouraging educational tour
In June, 30 of our primary and secondary students from Mwanza visited Dodoma, Tanzania’s capital city. Their tour included the Tanzania National Assembly, University of Dodoma, and the Standard Gauge Railway. For many, this was a journey that opened their eyes to what’s possible when barriers are removed and minds are inspired. These trips are not just fun, they broaden dreams, build confidence, and show students with albinism that they belong in every space, including the corridors of power.
🎓 Graduations and Rewards: Celebrating Academic Milestones
Our secondary school grantees continue to shine. At Baobab Secondary, three students graduated with Advanced Level certificates (HKL combination). Among them:
– One received a certificate for outstanding leadership as class monitress.
– Another was recognized as the Minister for Maintenance in the student government.
– A third was awarded as the Best Student in Environmental Awareness.
To inspire continued excellence, we celebrated the achievements of eight students who scored Division One (the highest national exam performance) with a special reward: a once-in-a-lifetime educational trip to Zanzibar! This incentive builds motivation and reinforces that hard work is recognized and celebrated.
💼 Career Successes: Breaking Barriers After Graduation
The UTSS Career Program is committed to long-term success. We’re thrilled to report:
- 3 graduates secured full-time jobs at the Hyatt Regency, the Tanzania Public Commission, and the Institute of Accountancy Arusha.
- 4 additional graduates earned paid internships to kick-start their careers.
- 36 first-year university students completed our Employability Skills Training, preparing them to enter the workforce with confidence.
And to amplify impact, our Career Unit team participated in Tanzania’s 66th Employers’ Symposium, deepening partnerships with employers and advocating for inclusion of people with albinism in the job market.
👓 Health, Vision, and Skin Care: Putting Wellness First
Your support ensures our students not only learn but thrive. This quarter:
- 58 students received general medical check-ups: 17 received early treatment before school resumed.
- 146 students received prescription eyeglasses, improving access to learning.
- 87 students benefited from specialist skin care screenings across six regions, thanks to our partnership with Standing Voice.
These interventions are essential. People with albinism have low vision, various eye conditions, and are at high risk of skin cancer. Regular care helps our students stay safe, confident, and focused on their futures.
🏠 Back to Family: Restoring What Was Lost
For children with albinism, family rejection due to stigma is sadly common. Others were separated due to general safety concerns and haven’t been able to reconnect with their families. That’s why reunifying students with their families is one of our most emotional and meaningful interventions:
- Two students were joyfully reunited with parents and relatives after years of separation.
- One boy who was previously rejected was welcomed home after months of community dialogue and healing.
Family connections help restore a child’s sense of identity and worth, something every young person deserves.
We also hosted a successful parent/guardian meeting with families of Form 6 graduates. This gathering emphasized the critical role of parental support, even when students are in boarding schools, and helped rebuild family bonds that are too often disrupted due to the stigma surrounding albinism.
🎒 Student Visits: Building Connection and Support
Our team conducted individual school visits to all grantees, from primary school to university. These check-ins allow us to listen, assess academic and emotional well-being, and provide tailored support for every student’s success. It’s how we keep our promise: not just to educate, but to walk alongside each child on their journey.
Together we’re changing the narrative
These milestones are only possible because of supporters like you. Whether you give, share our mission, or hold our students in your heart – you are part of every success story.
Thank you for believing in the potential of students with albinism. With you by our side, we’re building a world where they are no longer hidden, feared, or marginalized, but seen, valued, and empowered!
