In trying to capture the essence of our work in Tanzania and Uganda this year, I was not sure what to focus on. Should it be the installation of the water treatment and sanitation system for Kabanga – bringing clean water to the disabled children and those with albinism at the protectorate center? Or should it be our involvement in organizing the first international albinism conference in Tanzania, where there were over 160 attendees from at least six different African nations? Or the continued success of our six scholarship students?

Asante member Diane Vogel Raful at first international albinism conference in Africa, with Asante delegation from Kibondo

Each merit a full discussion and a celebration.  However, maybe the best way to describe our work this last year is with a combination of the good and the terrible.  As we concluded our trip this summer, conferencing with our partners on lessons learned and making future plans, a 40 year-old woman with albinism was murdered a few hundred kilometers away.  We were shocked and devastated – and struck by the horrible coincidence. While local leaders and partners were concluding an exciting event featuring dignity, awareness and equality for people with albinism – cruel ignorance struck.  The violence has continued – with another murder in Tanzania and one in Malawi in the past few months.  We are reminded of how much work there is left to do – to honor the victims of violence like Munghu Lugata; but also to celebrate the successes of people with albinism everywhere.  Please join us in our journey.