Heifer Tanzania Staff Aid Albinos

By Annie Bergman

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: April 24, 2010

Heifer Tanzania Communications Coordinator Richard Bugaisa contributed to this story.

Passing on the Gift doesn't just happen in the villages where Heifer works around the world. It's an idea that also inspires Heifer staff to give of themselves whether it be in time, talent or a physical gift.

The staff of Heifer Tanzania recently marked Pass on the Gift month in their own unique way.

Over the past few years news of albino killings in east Africa made its way to the United States. The killings and mutilations were particularly bad in Tanzania and prompted the government there to ban traditional healers who use albino organs for medicinal purposes. (The New York Times has two good articles on the topic. Read about the increase in killing here or the ban on traditional healers here.)

In support of the government's measures to stop the killings, the Heifer Tanzania staff provided educational materials and protective gear to about 56 albino students at the Mukidoma Secondary School in Usa River.

Heifer Tanzania Country Director Peter Mwakabwale presents a cap to Neema
Moses, a standard 3 student at the Mukidoma school
Heifer Tanzania Communications Coordinator Richard Bugaisa wrote, "Apart from supporting the government’s call to protect albinos, Heifer International Tanzania realized that, since the outbreak of merciless killings, people with albinism especially children have not been able to attend school in fear of their lives."
During the Pass on the Gift ceremony, Heifer Tanzania Country Director Peter Mwakabwale told the students, "Heifer Tanzania understands that education is the key to success and you have been missing this great opportunity; we assure you that Heifer Tanzania will give you full support during your studies.”
Both institutions agreed that this would be the beginning of a strong relationship. Heifer Tanzania also plans to continue to pass on their gifts to the albino community in the coming years to help end the traditional beliefs about albino people.