Spread the word

You have probably heard about it, you might have seen it on TV or maybe you have listened to it on the radio. It is an issue we all know about and which it is happening right now, but that’s not new around the globe. Hopefully, sooner than later, we would live in a world where it doesn't matter the colour of our skin, our accent, our believes, our gender or even our position in this society. Because in this path, we are all born and die in the end.

Some people have the opportunity to enjoy and to prospect in their life while others don't have such opportunity because it is denied by their government, culture and community. Some people today are having fun during their weekend, while others are trying to survive, to keep going no matter what.

"In 27 sub-Saharan countries in Africa, children and people with albinism are not only being marginalized, but also hunted, mutilated, and murdered due to the myth on albinism. The distorted belief that possessing and using the body parts of people with albinism in witchcraft-related rituals will bring you luck and wealth. This superstition is deeply intertwined with poverty and ignorance, and fuelled by illegal witchdoctors who are allegedly using body parts of people with albinism for making “medicine with supposedly magical powers”. Even their graves have been dug up in search for bones. In many countries of Africa, people with albinism are literally living in terror, where their most fundamental human rights, ashamedly including – The Right to Life – has been denied". by Josephat Torner

Josephat has found a way to stride against local superstitions, utilising the existing local resources such as sports, drama, and music are one of the most effective and efficient way to get a message across the world. These modes help opening up an atmosphere for changes to break the long-kept silence in the communities. Changing the culturally-embedded mind-set is a long process that takes years to gain some tangible results. Attacking on people with albinism originates from ignorance, and communities have kept silence on this issue too long. Football matches can crack this epoch of silence with unique and positive manners, and Tanzania Football Federation will be able to play indispensable roles to amplify the message nationwide “Weare All Equal”. Let us unite our resources and strength together to represent the voice of the voiceless!

As a kid you should be only worried about playing with your friends, going to the school to learn, spending time with your family, breaking some rules, reading and drawing whatever is in your mind, making new friends and living stories during your childhood that you will remember once you’re old. Experiences that will make you a different person, experiences that you won't forget, experiences that will be always with you. Your family, your old friends, your games, your toys, your books, your bed-stories, your dreams and, unfortunately, your limits. The last ones will make your stronger.

This story would have a happy ending, or at least I would like to believe so. A few weeks ago, the two more recognised professional football teams of Tanzania, with the support of the National Federation, selected 22 children with albinism to walk into the field with the Simba and Yanga football players to initiate the Champion League match.

Match result: Albinism 1 - 0 Limits.

PS: Last but not least, I would like to thank my good German friend (Ramona) who has introduced me in this matter and also to Josephat Torner for his enormous work and dedication to this disadvantage community.

#football #soccer #Sportdevelopment #albinism