With Canadian Thanksgiving around the corner, we’re feeling especially grateful for you, our community of supporters who make everything we do possible.
This quarter has been full of meaningful moments: reunions, graduations, new beginnings, and life-changing care. Below are the stories and program highlights from July through September, all made possible because you stand with children and youth with albinism in Tanzania.
Moments That Matter: Primary and Secondary School
Visiting Days and Family Reunification
Visiting days at Rocken Hills Primary and Baobab Secondary are small events that mean the world to our students. For children whose parents cannot attend, our presence turns an otherwise quiet day into a bright, encouraging one.
One of the most powerful moments this quarter was Edison’s reunion with his family after ten years, a beautiful outcome of our family reunification and reintegration work.
Graduations and New Horizons
We celebrated a milestone at Rocken Hills: five students graduated from primary school this year. Meanwhile, some students were able to take an international study tour to Kigali, Rwanda, coordinated by Lake View English Medium School giving them new knowledge and a life-changing exposure to the wider world.
Next Steps: College and University
Applications, Advising, and Placements
Over the last three months, our team supported 45 students through the college and university application process, advising them on course choices aligned with their career goals. We’re pleased to report that so far, 35 students have already secured placements.
Equipping our students with tools and knowledge
Thank to your support, we distributed 28 brand-new Lenovo laptops and accessories to students entering university. The students also received five weeks of basic computer training facilitated by St. Augustine University in Mwanza.
We also delivered participatory health and behavior training to 32 university and college grantees, covering resisting peer pressure, digital awareness, keys to success, and community and extracurricular involvement.
Opening Doors: Career Program
Employment Successes
We celebrated three graduates who secured employment this quarter:
- Anchila (Bachelor’s in Social Work, 2023) — Social Worker at the University of Dar es Salaam.
- Amina (Bachelor’s in Community Development, 2024) — Street Executive Officer for Mtwivila C in Iringa Region, after completing a six-month internship.
- Railu (Bachelor’s in Political Science and Public Administration, 2025) — One-year internship at Village of Hope Dar es Salaam.
Employability Training
Eighteen second-year students received their second round of employability skills training to strengthen their readiness for the job market upon graduation.
As part of our career monitoring strategy, our staff visited 12 students at their field practical placements to meet supervisors, gather feedback on workplace performance, advise students where needed, and provide albinism awareness sessions.
Beyond the Classroom: Care and Advocacy
Raising Awareness and Encouraging Students
Our advocacy team delivered Understanding Albinism seminars to large school communities: reaching roughly 850 students and teachers. We also held a seminar at Katungulu Bible College where many students had never encountered someone with albinism.
In July, our founder, Peter Ash, visited Tanzania. He met grantees in group sessions, attended the Nithamini Monument event, and visited homes in villages of students who had been attacked and whose siblings had been attacked. His visit provided encouragement and visibility for survivors and their families.
Life-Changing Care
- We coordinated logistics for four students to travel to the USA to receive updated prosthetics.
- After low-vision clinics in May and June, 162 grantees were screened and 148 were prescribed new glasses; those 148 prescription glasses were received and distributed to students this quarter.
Safety, and Holiday Programs
During the September school holidays, election safety concerns meant our students couldn’t return home. With your support, we were able to create a two-week program filled with fun and care: swimming, special meals, life-skills sessions, talent shows, and even trauma-healing activities. Your generosity helped keep students safe, supported, and smiling all holiday long.
Thank you!
From Edison’s reunion and five proud primary graduates to laptops, glasses, prosthetics, and new careers, every achievement this quarter was made possible by your generosity. Your support helps young people with albinism access education, care, and the chance to step into the future with confidence.
